§ Mr. Merlyn Reesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, in view of the facts sent to him by the hon. Member for Leeds, South, if he will seek to give further powers to local authorities to discover the owners of derelict houses, in order that such houses can be made habitable or demolished.
§ Mr. MellishLocal authorities have power to make demolition or compulsory purchase orders where owners cannot be traced. In the case to which my hon. Friend has drawn attention, the house is already subject to a closing order and I understand that the Leeds Corporation has taken steps to make it secure. The Corporation does not consider that it can be made fit or that demolition at the present time is appropriate. The Council's Housing Committee will, however, decide this week whether there is any further action it can take.