§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the many large houses which in Scotland are temporarily or permanently left empty and unused; and if he will take steps to empower local authorities to use them to make good the present housing shortage and the anticipated greater shortage which will result from the operation of the Rent Act, 1957.
§ Mr. MaclayLocal authorities already have adequate powers to acquire property for purposes of their housing functions. I do not accept the implications of the last part of the Question.