Empty Houses

44.

Mr. BRIANT
asked the Minister of Health if he has any information as to  the number of empty houses in the United Kingdom which are to be sold arid which are not available as ordinary tenancies?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN
Statistics on this point are not available, and I am afraid that they could not readily be obtained.

Mr. BRIANT
Is it not possible to obtain these particulars from the local authorities, as they have a very important bearing on the housing problem? Will the right hon. Gentleman make application to the local authorities?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN
I will consider that, but I am afraid it will be difficult for the local authorities themselves.

Mr. MARCH
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the London County Council said recently that there are 3,800 empty houses in London?

56.

Mr. BRIANT
asked the Minister of Health if he will include in the forthcoming Housing Bill a provision for the rating of empty houses?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN
I am not at present in a position to make any statement as to the provisions of the Bill.

Mr. LANSBURY
When the right hon. Gentleman does make a statement, or when he does consider the question, will he also consider the advisability of taxing as well as rating land values?