§ 49. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice he intends to give to local authorities on the sale of council houses.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonLocal authorities require my right hon. Friend's consent in every case when they wish to sell. This is given only in very special circumstances. Accordingly general advice to local authorities is not necessary.
§ Mr. HamiltonHow many local authorities have asked for this consent to date? Will my hon. Friend give an assurance that that consent will not be given to local authorities which have waiting lists? Will he further give the assurance that in principle he disapproves of this idea?
§ Dr. MabonWithout notice I cannot give a precise list, but the number concerned is very tiny. As I have said, there have to be special circumstances which must not offend the essential principle to which the Secretary of State adheres, namely, that the sale of houses does not prejudice the supply of houses to let for those who need them.