To ask the Secretary of State for Transport why the decision was made to demolish Nos. 127 arid 129 Fillebrook road, Leytonstone, rather than secure them for safe occupation; who was consulted; and if he will make a statement.

The decision was taken on grounds of public safety: these properties became dangerous after thieves rendered them structurally unsound by systematically removing the bricks over large parts of their rear facades. The decision was endorsed by an officer of the building control department of the London borough of Waltham Forest. Adjoining landowners, including London Underground Ltd., were also consulted.