§ 6 pm
§ Mr. Kerry Pollard (St. Albans) (Lab)I have a petition from Colin Fairrie and others in my constituency about private empty houses that have been allowed to fall into disrepair because there has been no investment. It is having a detrimental effect on the value of houses and on the condition of the area. Moreover, it is outrageous that at a time of acute housing shortage in the south-east in general and my constituency in particular, houses should be left empty.
The petition of Colin Fairrie and others asks the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to take positive action.
§ To lie upon the Table.