§ Lord APSLEYasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the large number of middle-class houses to let or for sale as a rsult of the economic depression, he will issue a circular to the local authorities as to the desirability of using such powers as they possess for the purpose of reconditioning and adapting such dwellings for the occupation of several families?
Sir H. YOUNGLocal authorities have already under Section 57 of the Housing Act, 1925, powers of taking the action suggested, but I am not myself aware of any large increase in the number of 1281W vacant houses which are suitable for conversion, and past experience does not suggest that conversion of this kind is generally economical or otherwise satisfactory.