HC Deb 07 April 1976 vol 909 c164W
33. Mr. Beith

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any new proposals to discourage the use as second homes of houses in rural areas which are suitable and needed for the housing of local people.

Mr. Freeson

The hon. Member will be aware of the measures introduced by the the Government on improvement grants and tax relief on mortgage interest in relation to second homes. I share his concern about housing needs, and we have taken many initiatives to enable them to be met. Municipalisation and modernisation of properties would be one way of acting directly to house families most in need.