Mr T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Health if in many parts of the country unoccupied dwelling-houses are being acquired for conversion into clubs, hotels, and purposes other than that of ordinary dwelling-houses; and what steps local authorities should take in order to secure the immediate use of such houses as ordinary dwellings?
§ Dr. ADDISONUnder Section 6 of the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, a local authority can secure the conviction of any person who, without the written permission of the local authority, uses such houses otherwise than as dwelling-houses, provided that they were, on the 3rd December last, reasonably fit or reasonably capable of being made fit for human habitation. Further, if the houses to which the hon. Member refers are or can be made reasonably fit as dwellings for the working classes, local authorities have power to acquire them, if necessary, by compulsion under the Housing, Town Planning, &c., Act, 1919, and, in suitable cases, I am recommending them to take this course.