§ Mr. HAYESasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in the City of Liverpool there are approximately 1,000 empty houses which cannot be regarded as being available to meet the existing housing shortage so long as they are allowed to remain for sale; and whether he proposes to introduce legislation to secure that such houses may become available for letting, thus making a substantial contribution to meeting the pressing need for housing accommodation?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware that there is always a certain number of unoccupied houses throughout the country which are held for sale, but I have no statistics as to their numbers, which, of course, are constantly fluctuating. I would point out that local authorities already have power to purchase or lease houses suitable for the562W working classes, and I do not consider that it would be practicable to promote further legislation on the subject.