39. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Health whether he is prepared to extend to other local authorities the powers already possessed by the Corporation of London for levying rates on empty houses?
§ Sir A. MONDI am looking into this question, which is one of great difficulty, but I am not at present prepared to make any statement in regard to it.
§ Sir A. MONDNo.
§ 55. Mr. G. BARKERasked the Minister of Health if he has received a resolution passed by the Abercarn Urban District Council that, in view of the house shortage in the country at the present time and having regard to the practice of certain property owners of declining to let vacant premises with a view to selling such premises with vacant possession at an enhanced price, if he will take steps, by legislation if necessary, to compel such owners to let their premises within reasonable time of their becoming vacant?
§ Sir A. MONDI have not received the resolution referred to. With regard to 1266 the suggestion for legislation, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave on the 9th and 15th February to the hon. Members for the Heywood and Radcliffe and for the Dartford Divisions on the same point.