§ 31. Mr. C. WHITEasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the great demand for housing accommodation in the district of the North Darley Urban District Council, and that there are many houses in this district which are being kept empty by the owners with a, view to their being sold at an enhanced price; and whether, under these circumstances, he will introduce such legislation as is necessary to empower local authorities to take possession of such houses, guaranteeing a fair rent to the respective owners and thus provide the housing accommodation required or, in the alternative, that the owners may be called upon to pay the rates in full in the same manner that the tenant would have to pay if the houses were occupied?
§ Sir A. MONDI have no evidence that there is a great demand for housing accommodation in this district, or that houses are being kept empty as stated 344 in the question. I could not undertake to introduce legislation for the purpose suggested.
§ Mr. WHITEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it is time that this method of blackmail was stopped, in the interests of the community?