HC Deb 30 March 1973 vol 853 c417W
Mr. Tope

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will urge local authorities to carry out a survey of empty properties in their areas and into the best methods for making use of them for short-term housing.

Mr. Channon

Some local authorities, and particularly some London boroughs, have already carried out surveys of empty dwellings in their areas and are taking steps to ensure that short-life residential property is put to use as far as practicable. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services and I recently met representatives of the London Boroughs Association and the Greater London Council, and the LBA agreed to examine what scope there was for it to give guidance to its authorities on the use to which short-life property might be put.

Mr. Tope

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the latest available figure for empty domestic properties owned by his Department.

Mr. Channon

Any property surplus to official requirements will, if the location permit, be offered to the appropriate local authority before sale on the open market. At present, 14 units are being dealt with under the disposal procedures.

Mr. Tope

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the latest available figure for empty domestic properties in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Channon

The 1966 sample census recorded about ½ million dwellings vacant, or about 3 per cent. of the total stock. National data from the 1971 Census are not yet available.