HC Deb 18 December 1962 vol 669 cc159-60W
56. Mr. J. Rodgers

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will take steps to ensure that household property which has been empty for a period of three months should be liable to payment of half rates.

Sir K. Joseph

The House has rejected similar proposals on a number of occasions. Apart from any question of merits, it is doubtful whether a scheme could be devised which would be equitable in its operation and yet produce sufficient in rates to justify the cost of administering it.