§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if local authorities which implement a registration scheme for houses in multiple occupation under the Housing Act 1996 will be required to provide the local fire authority with details of all premises registered with them so that the fire service may make such inspections as are necessary under section 1(1)(d) of the Fire Services Act 1947 relating to the siting and layout of the properties. [5714]
§ Mr. ClappisonSection 1(1)(d) of the Fire Services Act 1947 places a duty on fire authorities to secure efficient arrangements for obtaining information about the character of buildings for fire-fighting purposes. Local housing authorities are required by law to make available for public inspection the information contained in their registers of houses in multiple occupation. Fire authorities will therefore be able to obtain this information if required.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement regarding the revised consultation procedures between fire authorities and local authorities under section 75(3) of the Housing Act 1996; and what assessment he has made of whether such procedures will ensure the safety of tenants in such properties, in case of fire. [5715]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe Housing Act 1996 provides for a range of measures to secure improved standards in houses in multiple occupation particularly for fire safety. Local authorities will retain the prime responsibility for enforcing fire safety standards in HMOs but will be required to consult with the fire authorities where enforcement action is required in specified categories of high risk HMOs. I announced on 26 November,Official Report, column 147, the issues of a consultation paper setting out details of the secondary legislation we propose. Copies are available in the Library.