HC Deb 12 June 1972 vol 838 cc223-4W
Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of new houses built in Wales last year was provided by public authorities and what percentage by private building.

Mr. Peter Thomas

Thirty-nine per cent. and 61 per cent, respectively.

Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many council houses are empty or derelict in Wales at the present time.

Mr. Peter Thomas

This information is not readily available. Local authorities are not asked to submit returns of empty houses, since the numbers temporarily empty through changes of tenants may vary considerably from time to time.

Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will carry out, through the medium of local authorities, a complete survey in Wales to ensure that the older type of property which is structurally sound and which is available for housing should not be demolished.

Mr. Peter Thomas

I have asked all local authorities in Wales to let me know by 1st October, 1972, the number of houses in their areas which are capable of improvement to the 12-point standard of a good house, whether or not they are temporarily unfit. Local authorities are not obliged to carry out a survey in order to supply these figures, but I have issued advice on how to carry out sample surveys for this purpose.