HC Deb 20 March 1974 vol 870 cc1020-1
20. Mr. MacCormick

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will seek powers to prevent the purchase of holiday homes in the Highlands.

Mr. Millan

I am not persuaded that this is necessary.

Mr. MacCormick

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a serious problem in the Highlands? The fact that the existing housing stock can be purchased for use for perhaps a few weekends a year makes a significant difference to the housing problems of local people in these areas.

Mr. Millan

I agree that this is a serious problem in some areas, but I do not think that it can be solved by imposing an overall prohibition on people buying second houses. There is, for instance, the hon. Member for Moray and Nairn (Mrs. Ewing) who, I understand, has a second house somewhere in Scotland.

Mr. Russell Johnston

I am sure the Minister will accept that there is a real problem here. Will he consult the Highlands and Islands Development Board about the suggestion that I made two years ago that it might act as agent for the purchase of houses becoming vacant in small village communities with a view to letting them to people who live there all the year round rather than for only a short time?

Mrs. Winifred Ewing

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Lady must leave it to me. I intend to call her to ask a supplementary question.

Mr. Millan

I appreciate the practical suggestion made by the hon. Gentleman and I shall consider whether something can be done along those lines. If there are other practical suggestions, I shall be willing to consider them.

I should tell the House that we intend at the earliest legislative opportunity to abolish the possibility of improvement grants being obtained for second homes.

Mrs. Ewing

Does the Minister think that that was a worthy observation to make about me, bearing in mind that I go to my constituency every weekend? Does he define all those who have houses in London as having holiday homes'? Does he define many Members who do not have a home in their constituencies as being in some way lacking? Does the hon. Gentleman think that that was a worthy observation to make about me?

Mr. Millan

It was meant to be a jocular remark. Obviously, if the hon. Lady has taken offence at it, I apologise to her.

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