HC Deb 11 November 1948 vol 457 c197W
20. Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the housing shortage and the number of empty properties, he will re-introduce the powers of compulsory requisition for local authorities.

Mr. Bevan

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. I have not abolished the power to requisition empty dwellings. Clerks to local authorities can obtain such powers in appropriate cases on application to my principal housing officer.