§ Mr. George Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce provisions which will provide that the rating of empty properties will be more advantageous to local authorities.
§ Mr. John SilkinNo. Rating authorities already have discretion to levy any proportion of the full rate, up to and including 100 per cent. on any properties which have been empty for three 415W months, or six months in the case of newly erected dwellings.