§ 23. Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he is taking to diminish the number of empty houses and bring more into occupation.
§ Mr. MellishA margin of vacant houses is always required to facilitate mobility and the smooth working of the market, and in most parts of the country the vacancy rate is still inadequate. Local authorities now have powers to levy half rates on second-hand houses that have been standing empty for more than three months and on new houses that have been left unoccupied for more than six months.
§ Mr. WalkerIs my hon. Friend satisfied that this is going far enough, particularly as the 1966 census is likely to reveal an all-time record for the number of empty houses? Is it not critically important that we make the best use of the available housing resources so that we have fewer cases of "Cathy come home"?
§ Mr. MellishLocal authorities have powers of compulsory purchase subject to confirmation by the Minister. They have power to negotiate with the owners to purchase property of this kind. I think that my hon. Friend had better direct his question to local authorities which do not seem to be aware of some of their powers.
§ Mr. FortescueIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the chief reason for the emptiness of houses in Liverpool is that the direct labour department of the corporation is months behind with its repairs and maintenance programme?
§ Mr. MellishI am not aware of that, and I do not accept it from the hon. Gentleman as being a fact.