HC Deb 20 June 1967 vol 748 cc1396-8
12. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, in view of the fact that some local authorities intend to sell large numbers of council houses, thus reducing the chances of those on the waiting lists being housed, if he will now introduce legislation to define the limits of local authority action with regard to the sale of council housing.

34. Dr. David Kerr

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will seek powers to ensure that no local housing authority can sell any units of rented accommodation until he has satisfied himself that the sale would not adversely affect the position of families on the waiting list for rehousing.

Mr. Greenwood

Adequate powers already exist to control the sale of council houses. I have recently advised local authorities on policy on this question, including advice that they should not sell existing houses in areas where there is still an unsatisfied demand for houses to let at moderate rents.

Mr. Roberts

Is my right hon. Friend aware that thousands of people on waiting lists would welcome Government intervention? Does not my right hon. Friend agree that it is important for the Government to make it clear that they will not have social advance held up by Tories temporarily in control at the town hall or county hall?

Mr. Greenwood

I think that I have made my position perfectly clear on this. I deprecate the sale of council houses if the sale of them affects the waiting lists and reduces the stock of available houses.

Mr. Rippon

Will the Minister give an assurance that if a council is satisfied that there is a legitimate demand for council houses to be purchased, he will not thwart the electoral will by financial control?

Mr. Greenwood

I can understand the right hon. and learned Gentleman's anxiety about this in view of the fact that the sale of council houses in Birmingham is now falling substantially, but we shall certainly keep the whole question of general consent under review. I think the House would like to remember that I can withdraw or modify the general consent at any time, and I shall watch the situation very carefully.

Mr. Crawshaw

Would my right hon. Friend agree that while the sale of council houses may have a short-term benefit on the housing revenue account, it is bound to have a long-term detrimental effect? Will he, instead of advising local authorities, where he thinks it necessary remove subsidies if he feel that councils have enough houses to sell?

Mr. Greenwood

I think that the economic consequence might be as my hon. Friend says, and I think it might be worth while potential purchasers considering the economic advantages or disadvantages of making these purchases.

Mr. Doughty

Is the Minister aware that thousands of people wish to buy these houses? Will he give every encouragement to people to become their own house owners, and provide Government money to councils for their own purposes?

Mr. Greenwood

I take the view that houses for sale are a matter for private enterprise. There are equally thousands of people on waiting lists who are waiting for houses to rent.