38. Mr. THOMSONasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the increasing need of utilising every dwelling-house in the country for residential purposes, he will expedite the introduction of his promised Bill for preventing the withholding of dwelling-houses from occupation?
§ Dr. ADDISONYes, Sir.
Mr. THOMSONIn view of the urgency of the problem, will the Government pass this measure into law before we adjourn for the Recess?
§ 64. Mr. BRIANTasked the Minister of Health what is the number of empty houses in London fit for habitation; and how many of these are only for sale?
§ Dr. ADDISONI regret that I have not this information available.
§ Mr. BRIANTWould not a question sent to every London Borough Council soon elicit this information, which it is most important to have?
§ Dr. ADDISONA complete survey is being made of all empty houses to ascertain which of them can be put into proper condition for habitation. I cannot answer the last part of the question, as to how many of them are for sale only. The number of such houses varies very much from day to day.
§ Mr. BRIANTCan the right hon. Gentleman answer the first part of my question, as to the number of houses in London fit for habitation? I understand the right hon. Gentleman says that he has that information, and, if so, why can I not get it?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have not that information, but the houses are being carefully examined, and if the hon. Member will put down a question, I will give him particulars as to a specific date. The last part of the question I cannot answer.