§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what information he has on the number of houses in multiple occupation in each local authority area;
(2) how many local authorities have initiated resolutions for the licensing of houses in multiple occupation, under the order made in terms of the Civil Government (Scotland) Act 1981;
(3) how many Scottish local authorities have introduced a registration scheme for houses in multiple occupation; and what provisions are made to ensure that these premises are provided with reasonable means of escape in case of fire;
(4) what proposals he has to encourage local authorities to introduce a licensing or registration scheme for houses in multiple occupation.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonInformation is not held centrally on the number of houses in multiple occupation or on the number of resolutions for licensing schemes as they do not require the Secretary of State's approval. He has approved registration schemes in eight authorities.
Housing authorities' powers to ensure houses in multiple occupation have reasonable means of escape in case of fire are not dependent on their being registered or 538W licensed. An authority can require a landlord to carry out works to provide a means of escape. If he does not do so, the authority may carry out the works itself and bill the landlord. The fire authority can close all or part of a house in multiple occupation immediately if it considers that there is a serious threat to life.
Guidance notes were issued in August 1991 suggesting how housing authorities might effectively exercise their powers to deal with houses in multiple occupation, including their powers to establish registration and licensing schemes.