67. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a considerable number of dwelling houses are being kept unoccupied with a view to sale at a higher price at a later date, and what steps he proposes to take in order to secure the immediate occupancy of these houses in order to relieve the existing shortage?
§ Dr. ADDISONI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to his previous question on the 18th February. I think the powers under the two Acts of 1919, if put into operation by local authorities, as they should be, should prove 1911 sufficient to counteract the practice to which the hon. Member refers.
Mr. THOMSONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the local authority can take a case to Court under the 1919 Act in order to get occupation of a dwelling house?
§ Dr. ADDISONI will inquire into that if my hon. Friend will put down a question.
§ 71. Mr. J. DAVISONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there are several unoccupied houses in the district of Enfield the owners of which decline all applications to let; and whether, in view of the demand for houses in this district, he will take immediate action in this matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONIt is open to the District Council to acquire houses suitable, or which could be made suitable, for occupation by the working classes, but I understand that very few empty houses of this kind are available.