HC Deb 07 March 1963 vol 673 cc75-6W
36. Mr. Lubbock

asked the Minister of Housing 'and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will introduce legislation to enable local authorities to levy rates on unoccupied property, so as to encourage landlords to bring such property back into use and alleviate the housing shortage.

Sir K. Joseph

No. As I explained in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Sevenoaks (Mr. J. Rodgers) on 18th December, I doubt whether a scheme could be devised which would be equitable in its operation and yet produce sufficient in rates to justify the cost of administering it. I am in any case doubtful whether making empty property rateable would have much effect in bringing it into use.

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