§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many empty council houses there are in Scotland in whatever condition, and including those classified as empty and unavailable for reletting; and, if these figures are not available, if he will undertake a survey similar to that of the Minister of Housing in England in order that this situation can be gauged.
§ Mr. MillanIndividual local authorities keep the numbers of their empty houses under close review, but the information requested is not collated centrally. Having regard to my advice to local authorities to assess housing needs comprehensively and to develop housing plans accordingly I am not convinced that there is justification at present for initiating a special survey.