§ 20. Mr. Aspinwallasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the latest estimates of the number of privately-owned empty dwellings in England and Wales.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergLocal authorities' own estimates in their housing investment programme returns indicate that there were about half a million privately owned dwellings in England at April 1979. These are, however, estimates and they should be treated with caution. The report of the vacant property survey will provide information based on a systematic national survey. Information about the position in Wales should be sought from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.