§ 28. Sir PERCY HURDasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the anxiety expressed by local authorities in London suburban and other districts because of the future effect on the rates of the large and increasing number of unoccupied highly-rented flats in their areas; and whether means can be devised to check the 282 speculative building of new luxury flats and encourage the provision of the low-rented houses that are needed?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)My attention has not previously been called to this matter, though I have seen references to it in the Press. As regards the second point raised by my hon. Friend, local authorities already possess under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932, extensive powers to control development. The output of houses for letting at low rents is being, and I trust will continue to be, increased under the Government's housing policy.
§ Sir P. HURDMay it not become a very serious matter for the local authorities as regards rates if the erection of these unoccupied super-flats continues?
§ Sir K. WOODI should hardly think they would be erected in such circumstances as the hon. Gentleman suggested.