§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many homes remain unoccupied in England and Wales; what steps he is taking to remedy the situation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungIn England, local authorities' housing investment programme returns show 690,000 dwellings in all sectors empty at April 1984. Information about housing in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
In the public sector, the Department is now completing an exercise to examine the problems of the 30 local 934W authorities with the highest numbers of empty council homes. When it is complete, my right hon. Friend will decide what further action is needed in addition to the measures already taken by the Government since 1979.
In the private sector, any further initiatives to encourage landlords to re-enter the market will depend on the outcome of the current review of legislation governing private rented accommodation.