§ 20. Mr. A. Lewisasked 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. BevanMy 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.