Empty Homes (Hansard, 17 December 1980)

§ 21. Mr. Bright
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are his latest estimates of the number of empty homes in the private sector.

§ Mr. Stanley
Local authorities' estimates of the number of private sector empty dwellings as at 1 April 1980 were about 500,000.

§ Mr. Bright
Does not my hon. Friend agree that the majority of these homes could be let under the shorthold provisions of the Housing Act 1980? What does he propose to do to try to counter the dogmatic opposition of the Labour Party, and in particular the threat to repeal this provision by the right hon. Member for Manchester, Ardwick (Mr. Kaufman)?

§ Mr. Stanley
The figure that I have just given, which has remained fairly constant for the past three or four years, represents a variety of dwellings that are empty for various reasons in the private sector. I agree with my hon. Friend that a proportion of those dwellings are available for shorthold. When there is this clear evidence of the potential for shorthold, it is irresponsible of Labour Members to continue with their repeal commitment.

§ Mr. Newens
In view of the fact that so many houses are empty in the private sector, many of which are awaiting a buyer, does the hon. Gentleman approve the policy of many Conservative councils of keeping empty those houses which could be let until a buyer can be found for them?

§ Mr. Stanley
That is a matter for decision by each and every authority, but if the hon. Member was in the Chamber a little earlier he will be aware that I read out the names of seven authorities, all of which have had more than 1,000 dwellings empty for more than a year—and none of those was a Conservative authority.

§ Mr. Parry
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply given to my question. I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.