§ Ms Rachel SquireTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of housing stock in each local authority was designated as unfit for habitation in each year since 1990. [17232]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonThe term "unfit for habitation" is not used in Scotland. The Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 sets out the criteria for a dwelling to meet the tolerable standard, which is the relevant standard in Scotland. Local authority estimates of the number of dwellings which fall below the tolerable standard are published annually in the Scottish Office statistical bulletin housing series, bulletins HSG/1992/4, HSG/1992/7, HSG/1994/6, HSG/1994/8 and HSG/1996/2. These bulletins are available in the House Library. The most recent estimates, for April 1996, are due to be published on 27 February 1997. A copy of the relevant bulletin (HSG/1997/1) will also be placed in the House Library.