§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps towards 220W implementing the recommendation of the Welsh Council in its report "Housing in Wales" that further assistance should be made available to district authorities in the areas most subject to the second homes problem which find they cannot afford to purchase properties which come on the market where this would be desirable.
§ Mr. John MorrisLocal authorities already have powers to acquire properties to meet local need. These have been extended by the Housing Act 1974. Additionally, the new subsidies in the Housing Subsidies Bill for the acquisition of existing properties, as well as for the construction of new housing, will be of considerable benefit to local authorities if advantage is taken of the powers.