To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from (a) Eastbourne borough council or (b) any other borough or district council that the powers conferred upon local authorities by section 79 of the Building Act 1984 are inadequate; what proposals he has to strengthen those powers; and if he will make a statement.

I have received no such representations. I am not aware of any general feeling that the powers available to local authorities under section 79 of the Building Act 1984 are inadequate and I have no proposals to strengthen those powers.