House prices have doubled in Cornwall in the past two years

Mr George said many people living in Cornwall could not afford house prices, which have doubled in the last two years.

He said even those in reasonably well paid jobs still could not afford to buy a house in their home towns or villages.

And he blamed second home owners for pushing up prices, leading to a "rural housing crisis".

Mr George told the Commons that planning rules should be tightened so second homes would require "change of use" planning permission.

He said local authorities should be able to define separate development zones for first time buyers.

The MP also wanted the government to put more money into part ownership schemes.

And he called for the council tax rebate which second home owners enjoy to be cut.