30. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that there is still a large number of empty houses withheld from occupation in overcrowded areas; and will he reconsider the desirability of taking further steps to secure the use of such houses?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware that there is always a certain number of unoccupied houses which are held for sale. I would point out that local authorities already have power to purchase or lease houses suitable for the working classes, and I do not consider that it would practicable to promote further legislation on the subject.
§ Mr. HARRISHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the proposal of the London County Council that empty houses should be subjected to half rates?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, I have considered various proposals at different times. The difficulty about most of them is that it would appear probable that they would exercise some hampering effect upon the building of new houses.
§ Mr. TAYLORDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it a scandal that houses should be held up for sale for three or foul months at a time when people cannot rent houses, and cannot he do something in the matter?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI do not know that I would call it a scandal. I think it is a pity, which is quite a different thing.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs the right hon Gentleman aware that local authorities have no power to make a landlord change his position from selling to leasing?