§ 43. Mr. Toucheasked the Minister of Health why the application made by the Reigate Borough Council for permission under Section 79 of the Housing Act, 1936, to sell council houses to existing tenants who desire to purchase them, has been refused in view of the fact that such sales will not diminish the amount of housing accommodation available.
§ Mr. BevanAs the council have been informed, I am unable to agree at the present time to the sale of council houses in view of the importance of ensuring that as many houses as possible are available for letting at reasonable rents to persons who are in urgent need of them.
§ Mr. ToucheCan the right hon. Gentleman explain how a house becomes less a house because the tenant becomes the owner?
§ Mr. BevanThe answer is that as soon as a person became the owner of a house the reversion would always go to those who had the money to acquire it.