§ 109. Mr. Willisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Government are taking any steps to preserve for public use large houses not required by private owners; whether he is aware of the practice in Scotland of removing the roofs of such houses to avoid liability for local rates; and if, pending announcement of Government policy, he will introduce measures to prevent such action.
§ Mr. WestwoodA number of such houses are already in use for a variety of public purposes and so far as I am aware there is no need for any special steps by the Government. If, however, my hon. Friend knows of any case where it seems that a large house could suitably 401W be taken over for housing accommodation or other public purpose I shall be glad to have a note of it. With regard to the second part of the Question I am not aware of any case within recent years of the practice referred to, but if the hon. Member will give me particulars of any case he may have in mind where the premises concerned could be put to a useful purpose I should be glad to look into the matter.