§ 41. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government 174W and Minister for Welsh Affairs, if he will introduce legislation to provide that for any dwelling-house which has been unoccupied for a period of six consecutive months the owner shall pay from the end of that period the normal rates as if the house were occupied.
§ Sir K. JosephAs I told the hon. Gentleman he Member for Salford, East (Mr. Frank Allaun) on 21st January, the rating of empty properties will be considered as part of the general review of the rating system, though I do not believe that it would have any significant effect on the period for which houses remain vacant, and there are considerable practical difficulties.