HC Deb 07 February 1967 vol 740 cc1336-7
6. Mr. Murton

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he has now completed his review of the conditions governing general consent for the sale of council houses; and whether he will make a statement.

9. Mr. Allason

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will make a statement on the modifications he proposes to make to the conditions of general consent for the sale of council houses outlined in Circular 5/60.

Mr. Greenwood

I hope to issue fresh guidance shortly to local authorities as to the considerations which they should bear in mind in deciding whether or not to sell. In general, however, I think that local authorities ought not to sell their houses where there is still an unsatisfied demand for houses to let at moderate rents and where they intend to continue a substantial programme of building houses to let.

Mr. Murton

Does not the Minister realise that an attempt to curtail the general consent which now exists will be received with great resentment by the potential owner-occupiers who are already tenants of these council houses which might be sold?

Mr. Greenwood

I think the hon. Gentleman had better await the circular.

Mr. Allason

Would the Minister agree that a house does not disappear from use simply because it changes ownership from a local authority to an owner-occupier, and that there is a very great desire in this country for owner-occupation?

Mr. Greenwood

Yes. We want to avoid houses going out of council possession which are made available for people who can pay only moderate rents. We want to encourage home ownership, but this is primarily a matter for the private sector of industry to deal with.

Mr. Julius Silverman

Will the Minister bear in mind that his statement will be welcomed by the large numbers of people on the registers whose applications will be held up if there is any considerable sale of council houses?

Mr. Rippon

Will the Minister say when he expects to issue this new circular? Will he also give an undertaking that the considerations which local authorities are expected to bear in mind will include the consideration that a recent survey showed that 80 per cent. of the people of this country want to own their own house?

Mr. Greenwood

In reply to the first part of the question, I hope to issue this guidance very shortly. In reply to the second half of the question, that is why we are doing everything possible to encourage the private sector of industry to meet the need for home ownership.