55. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to cases where dwelling-houses which are fit for occupation have been kept unoccupied either for the purpose, of storing furniture or to obtain a higher sale price; and whether he will introduce legislation to enable local authorities to compel their immediate usage as dwelling-houses.
§ Dr. ADDISONAccording to my information the number of cases of the kind referred to by my hon. Friend is small, and, as I stated in my reply of the 26th February, I think that the powers of the two Acts of 1919, if firmly administered, enable local authorities to deal with such cases. It does not appear that, in the cases of dwelling houses left empty, local authorities have any power other than that of acquisition, and in suitable cases I am recommending them to take this course.