Captain COOTEasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the advisability of empowering local authorities to turn large unoccupied buildings into flats in view of the delay in commencing building operations and the increasing urgency of the problem of housing returned soldiers?
§ Major ASTORThe Housing Bill provides full powers enabling local authorities to take action suggested in the hon. Member's question. A manual giving information and advice with regard to the steps which should be taken by local authorities for the exercise of these powers has been prepared and will be issued at an early date.