§ Mr. James Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities in Scotland have levied half rates on empty houses, and how many houses have been involved; whether he is satisfied that existing legislation is preventing houses from being kept vacant and from rapid deterioration; and what steps he will now take to deal with the problem.
§ Mr. RossOut of 223 authorities who have so far replied to an enquiry I addressed to them recently, 84 have decided to rate empty property. I have no information about the number of houses involved. Longer experience will be needed before the effectiveness of the legislation can be properly assessed.