HC Deb 14 March 1968 vol 760 cc1585-6
4. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Wales which local authorities in Wales have offered council houses for sale; what is the total number offered by each individual authority; what number has actually been purchased; and what advice his Department has given to those local authorities on the subject.

14. Mr. Gower

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has so far been made in Wales in enabling council houses to be purchased by their tenants; and what proportion of Welsh housing authorities has so far taken steps to permit such purchases.

Mr. Ifor Davies

Local authorities are not required to notify my right. hon. Friend when houses are offered for sale, so it is not possible to say which local authorities have done so, or how many have been offered by individual councils. In 1967, 22 councils in Wales sold 183 houses. I shall, with permission, circulate details in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The latest advice to local authorities on the subject is contained in Welsh Office Circular 20/67.

Mr. Hughes

Is my hon. Friend aware that his Answer is most unsatisfactory? Is he further aware of the difficulties experienced by several local authorities in the country with repair and decorative work and with the layout of estates? Will he bear in mind that the sale of council houses is contrary to Labour Party policy and take steps to prevent any further sales.

Mr. Ifor Davies

There is no evidence to suggest that the present level of sales in Wales is having any adverse effect on housing policy.

Mr. Gower

Will the Minister take account of the fact that there are parts of South Wales where an extension of home ownership is needed even more than it is in the rest of the British Isles? Might this not make a valuable contribution where circumstances are appropriate?

Mr. Ifor Davies

The Government's record in assisting owner-occupation is very good. However, in areas where there is still an unsatisfied demand for houses to let at moderate rents, sales of council houses have undesirable effects.

Following are the details:

Council houses sold in Wales in 1967
Local Authority
Newport C.B.C. 27
Burry Port U.D.C. 1
Rhyl U.D.C. 3
Neath R.D.C. 7
Pontardawe R.D.C. 12
Magor and St. Mellons R.D.C. 20
Bethesda U.D.C. 1
Penmaenmawr U.D.C. 72
Lampeter B.C 2
Aled R.D.C 1
Mold U.D.C 7
Hawarden R.D.C 6
Mountain Ash U.D.C. 1
Penarth U.D.C. 4
Gower R.D.C. 4
Dolgellau R.D.C. 1
Edeyrnion R.D.C. 1
Abercarn U.D.C. 1
Fishguard & Goodwick U.D.C. 1
Presteigne U.D.C. 4
Barmouth U.D.C. 5
Deudraeth R.D.C. 2
Total 183