Clause 54 - Tests as to suitability for multiple occupation
Housing Bill
4:00 pm
Mr John Hayes (South Holland and The Deepings, Conservative)
I hear what the Minister says, but this part of the Bill specifically states that the housing authority needs to be satisfied, for the purposes of clause 53, that the house is reasonably suitable for multiple occupation. There is proper consideration of washbasins, showers and bathrooms, areas of food storage, preparation and cooking, and laundry facilities and so on, but there is no mention of the safety equipment—smoke alarms are a good example—that might reasonably be expected in an
HMO to deal with a fire hazard. It is true that considerations relating to fire hazards are dealt with extensively in part 1 and in the guidance. We have debated those provisions at length. However, it would be desirable to refer back to them at some stage in this part of the Bill. I will put it no more strongly than that.
I am yet to be convinced, but I trust that the Minister has noted the perhaps untypical vehemence with which I have pressed my point and I hope that he will give the matter further consideration. I will resist my instincts to press the matter because I know that my hon. Friends feel that we need to move on and consider the Bill with alacrity. On that happy note, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause 54 ordered to stand part of the Bill.