§ 31. Mr. Dubsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will review his policy towards the selling by local authorities of empty houses and flats to people not on waiting lists; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenIt is for local authorities to decide their own policies on the sale of empty dwellings, within the terms of the general consents issued by my right hon. Friend. The consents are being reviewed, but I have no present intention of placing new restrictions on authorities' powers to sell empty dwellings.
§ 53. Mr. Yeoasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities levy rates on empty domestic property.
§ Mrs. RumboldThis information is not collected by my Department. However, according to the Rating and Valuation Association's publication "General Rate Poundages and Products 1985–86", 148 authorities in England and Wales currently levy rates on empty domestic properties.