§ 24. Mr. SWANasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the scarcity of houses in the district of Middleton-in-Teesdale and the resentment caused to the people of that district by people who possess two houses or more letting them to visitors, whilst many who live there are overcrowded and cannot get a house; and if he will take steps to prevent this abuse and communicate with the local authority in order to find out how far the abuse exists?
§ Dr. ADDISONLocal authorities have power under Section 12 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act., 1919, to acquire houses which might be made suitable for the working classes. I have called for a report on the position in the district to which the hon. Member refers.