HC Deb 13 February 1980 vol 978 cc696-7W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will seek to ascertain the number of second homes in Scotland by placing a question to that effect in the next household survey.

Mr. Rifkind

No. It would not be appropriate to include such a question in any small sample survey, but consideration is being given to carrying out a sample survey of houses unoccupied at the next census; such a survey would provide additional information on second homes. It is believed that there are between 15,000 and 20,000 second homes in Scotland.