§ 42. Mr. Hammersleyasked the Home Secretary whether he will instruct local authorities to see that empty houses in their districts are regularly inspected by the local police?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)The police pay attention to empty houses, in the normal course of their duties. In view of the heavy calls upon the available police resources at the present time, it would not be possible for them to undertake any additional responsibilities in this respect.
§ Mr. HammersleyDoes my hon. Friend realise that some houses are left empty for a long time and that, in isolated localities, they may be a potential source of danger?
§ Mr. PeakeYes, Sir, that is so, and that is the reason why the police have instructions to pay particular attention to them; but I would remind my hon. Friend that wide powers of search and entry into premises are now enjoyed by the police under the new Defence Regulations.
§ Mr. ThorneHave not the local authorities the powers that are necessary?