§ 44. Mr. J. Harrisonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will introduce amending legislation to require the levying of rates on unoccupied living accommodation in order to prevent 1033 such accommodation being empty for long periods, thus aggravating the housing shortage.
§ Mr. PowellNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HarrisonIn view of the decreasing number of houses being built and the increasing number of Nottingham premises taken for office accommodation, has the Minister any idea of what to do with the piling up of properties, usually rent-restricted, that are awaiting sale and are remaining empty? Does he not think this is a tragic situation to young people who are looking for a home?
§ Mr. PowellI cannot see any connection between the decline in the number of houses being built, the increase in the number converted to office use and the increase—alleged—in the number remaining vacant.
§ Mr. ShurmerDoes the Parliamentary Secretary think it is right to encourage landlords to hang on to houses for sale, hundreds of which are standing idle in Birmingham, when hundreds of families are homeless through eviction and thousands of people are on the housing register in Birmingham? Should not these houses be let to these people? Will not the Minister take some action on a matter which is stirring the conscience, not only of the Churches and the political parties, but of the whole of the people in Birmingham?
§ Mr. PowellThose questions go very far beyond the question of rating. Rates are a tax upon occupation.