§ 36. Mr. Callaghanasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if, with a view to the introduction of the necessary legislation, he will discuss with local authorities the adequacy of their powers to engage staff with a view to examining" houses to ascertain whether they have been converted into flats.
§ Sir K. JosephNo, Sir. I am satisfied that if a local authority needs to engage stall for such work for the purpose of any of its functions it already has adequate powers to do so under Sections 105, 106 or 107 of the Local Government Act, 1933.
§ Mr. CallaghanIs there much evidence outside the area in which this dispute has arisen about the lack of knowledge of local authorities of the conversion of houses into flats and thereby the consequential loss of revenue?
§ Sir K. JosephI do not think so, but I am a little intimidated in this question about giving a verbal answer because there are a number of legal obscurities involved. I will write to the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. PopplewellIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a general shortage of qualified staff for this purpose? Will he give the matter very serious attention with a view to increasing the staffs of local authorities to help them to assist in this vary valuable work?
§ Sir K. JosephYes.