§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about his survey of empty dwellings; how many houses and flats are empty in which areas and for how long; what are the reasons they have been kept empty; how they could be 514W brought into use; and if he will consider permitting local authorities to requisition absentee private landlords' houses empty for more than six months without good reason.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThere has been no recent Government survey of empty dwellings, but my right hon. Friend is considering whether the present financial constraints allow such a survey to be carried out.