§ 31. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many houses are owned by local authorities in England and Wales; how many councils have agreed to sell their houses to tenants; and how many houses have been sold.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanThere are two million-odd houses and flats owned by local authorities. I have no information as to how many councils have agreed to offer their houses for sale to tenants, since they are under no obligation to notify me. Owing to the time taken by legal and other formalities, the number of actual sales completed is at present negligible.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister satisfied that the small number of applications for the purchase of houses from local authorities is accounted for by the fact that the Government have increased the Bank rate, and, therefore, have discouraged people from purchasing their own houses? In view of the very small number of applicants, will he now withdraw the power of local authorities to sell houses?
§ Mr. MacmillanI am not quite sure on which side the hon. Gentleman is arguing.
§ Mr. AwberyWill the Minister please answer my question?