Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to the number of empty houses which are withheld from occupation, he will take steps to authorise local authorities to cither rate these empty properties or to compulsorily acquire them so as to secure their occupation while the present acute shortage of housing accommodation continues?
Mr. GREENWOODMy right hon. Friend has given careful consideration to the suggestions contained in the hon. Member's question, but he cannot undertake to introduce legislation on these lines during the present Session, though he has much sympathy with the object the hon. Member has in view.