asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he can now make a statement on his plans for speeding up the implementation by local authorities of their obligations under the Housing Act 1974 to bring the empty houses which they own into full use as housing accommodation.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 25th February to my hon. Friend the Member for Holborn and St. Pancras, South (Mrs. Jeger).—[Vol. 887, c. 69–70.]