Lieut.-Colonel WATTS-MORGANasked the Minister of Health if not otherwise empowered, if he will at once introduce a short Bill on the letting of vacant houses, having regard to the great house shortage in the country; is he aware of the growing practice of certain property owners of declining to let vacant premises with a view of selling such premises with vacant possession at an enhanced price; and, as this is a source of unrest and creates animosity, will he take steps to compel such owners to let their premises within a reasonable time of their becoming vacant?
§ Mr. JOHNasked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to the house shortage in the country at the present time, and having regard to the practice 1523W of certain property owners in declining to let vacant premises with a view to selling such premises with vacant possession at an enhanced price, he will take steps to compel such owners to let their premises within a reasonable time of their becoming vacant?
§ Sir A. MONDAs I have previously stated, I cannot undertake to introduce legislation for the purpose suggested.