HC Deb 30 April 1964 vol 694 cc589-90
Q7. Mr. Hooson

asked the Prime Minister what representations he has received about the decision to sell the houses of the Pentre Maelor at Wrex- ham to the Wrexham Rural District Council; and what reply he has sent.

The Prime Minister

Two tenants in this housing estate wrote to me and it has been explained in reply to them that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry and Trade has not yet finally decided what action to take with regard to the estate.

Mr. Hooson

Does not the Prime Minister agree that an important principle of public policy arises here inasmuch as the Government advocate home ownership and this is an estate owned by a Government Department? Should not the sitting tenants be given every opportunity to purchase their own houses before the estate is sold to the local authority? Further, will he use his influence with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry and Trade to state his willingness to sell to the tenants, to name his price and to state his conditions for such sale?

The Prime Minister

As I understand it, there are difficulties in connection with this estate and my right hon. Friend is looking into the question. There are difficulties in disposing of houses individually to the tenants. I understand that provision has to be made for the maintenance of open spaces and water drainage. It is really a question of selling the whole of the estate, and this would be much easier than selling the houses one by one.

Mr. Idwal Jones

Is the Prime Minister aware that this housing estate is in my constituency and has no connection whatever with the constituency of the hon. and learned Member for Montgomery (Mr. Hooson)? Is he further aware that, from the outset, I have followed all developments in this matter with care in an effort to fulfil my duty as a Member? Will the Prime Minister give an assurance that there will be an early settlement, hearing in mind the interests of the local authority, of all the tenants, and of the industrial estate?

The Prime Minister

I am bearing in mind all the things that the hon. Gentleman has asked me to bear in mind, but I hope that he will go on discussing the matter with my right hon. Friend.