HC Deb 25 April 1967 vol 745 cc1306-7
28. Mr. Brooks

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will encourage local authorities to build houses for sale.

Mr. Greenwood

Building for sale is primarily the job of the private builders and I consider that, at the present time, local authorities should undertake such building only where the demand is not being adequately met by private builders and where it will not prejudice their primary duty of meeting the urgent need for rented housing.

Mr. Brooks

Does my right hon. Friend recognise that, while many hon. Members on this side of the House deplore the sale of council houses for party political profit, there might nevertheless be an advantage to local authorities in seeking to cater for a rather wider range of housing need among the community?

Mr. Greenwood

I would not want to divert the energy of local authorities away from the building of houses for rent, which I believe to be their prime function. However, I am prepared to make exceptions; in the case, for example, of town centre redevelopment schemes, catering for new industries or to make a proper social balance in certain areas.

Mr. Sandys

Pending the building of a great many more houses for sale at moderate prices, would the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that he will not seek to discourage the Greater London Council from selling council houses to its tenants?

Mr. Greenwood

That is, of course, quite a different question, but the right hon. Gentleman is no doubt aware of the extremely helpful circular which I issued to local authorities shortly before the county council elections.

Mr. Spriggs

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some of the capacity of the direct building departments of many of our large local authorities could be used for building houses for sale, and why not?

Mr. Greenwood

I think that I have answered the question fully. We are prepared to make exceptions, and if my hon. Friend has any cases in mind I hope that he will let me have the details.