§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for the Environment approximately how many houses or flats he estimates have been empty for more than three months nationally, and in each of the major regions; if he is satisfied with the speed and effectiveness of the present compulsory purchase order procedure; and whether he will consider introducing legislation to requisition houses and flats kept empty for more than three months without good reason.
§ Mr. FreesonThe Department has made no such estimates. The 1971 Census recorded approximately 628,000 dwellings in England as vacant on the day of the census return.
As regards compulsory purchase orders for housing, comparatively few of which are for empty dwellings, the time being taken has reduced in the last eight months. On requisitioning, I indicated my view to my hon. Friend in debates 252W on what is now the Housing Act 1974, but if he has further evidence on the point I would be glad to consider it.