asked the Minister of Health if he will take the necessary steps to strengthen the power of local authorities to requisition unoccupied dwelling accommodation by reducing the waiting period before which a notice to requisition is served.

My hon Friend is under some misapprehension. Unoccupied dwellings can be requisitioned immediately my authority is given.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in some cases this power has been exercised in such a way as to be of no value to local authorities in rehousing families on their housing lists? Would my right hon. Friend mind looking at the working of this arrangement?

If my hon. Friend will give me specific instances, I will, of course, have them inquired into.