§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list in the Official Report the number of empty houses owned by the Metropolitan Police in the Greater London area; how many of these houses have been empty for more than six months, one year and two years; and how many of these houses are surplus to the immediate requirements of the police.
§ Dr. SummerskillApproximately 700 houses and Flats owned by the Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District, out of a total of approximately 4,200, are empty at present, of which 18 are unfit for habitation, 210 are being sold and the remainder are awaiting occupation, reconstruction or repair. About 320 dwellings have been vacant for six months or more, 160 for one year or more and 34 for two years or more—many of these are properties which are being sold. Because of increasing recruitment, none of the dwellings currently awaiting occupation, reconstruction or repair is surplus to police requirements.