Written question asked by Chris Ruane (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 December 2000. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Monday, 11 December 2000 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what percentage of and how many houses in multiple occupation did not have adequate fire escapes in (a) England in 1980 to 2000 and (b) Wales in 1980 to 1998. - Inc figures and fact that information not available centrally in England.

Answer: Mr. Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of and how many houses in multiple occupation did not have adequate fire escapes in (a) England in 1980 to 2000 and (b) Wales in 1980 to 1998. [141683] Mr. Mullin: This information is not available centrally in England. However, in 1996, it was estimated that 27,500 traditional HMOs (bedsits) and purpose-built HMOs in England were unfit under section 352 of the Housing Act 1985 due to inadequate "means of escape". This was approximately 30 per cent. of the total number of these dwellings. There is no centrally available information for Wales.

Secondary information