§ 44. Mr. BRIANTasked the Minister of Health if he has any information as to 1541 the number of empty houses in the United Kingdom which are to be sold arid which are not available as ordinary tenancies?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINStatistics on this point are not available, and I am afraid that they could not readily be obtained.
§ Mr. BRIANTIs it not possible to obtain these particulars from the local authorities, as they have a very important bearing on the housing problem? Will the right hon. Gentleman make application to the local authorities?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI will consider that, but I am afraid it will be difficult for the local authorities themselves.
§ Mr. MARCHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the London County Council said recently that there are 3,800 empty houses in London?
§ 56. Mr. BRIANTasked the Minister of Health if he will include in the forthcoming Housing Bill a provision for the rating of empty houses?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am not at present in a position to make any statement as to the provisions of the Bill.
§ Mr. LANSBURYWhen the right hon. Gentleman does make a statement, or when he does consider the question, will he also consider the advisability of taxing as well as rating land values?