Empty Houses (Leasing by Local Authorities)

HC Deb 08 April 1943 vol 388 c796

31. Mr. Hewlett

asked the Minister of Health whether local authorities in cases of acute lack of accommodation, are entitled to lease large empty houses which need a minimum of reconstruction, and accommodate therein sets of families under municipal supervision?

Mr. E. Brown

Local authorities have power to lease houses under Section 72 of the Housing Act, 1936, but reconstruction would be subject to the terms of the lease.