HC Deb 06 May 1969 vol 783 cc242-3
15. Mr. Allason

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what progress has been made towards the goal of 50 per cent. owner-occupation in new towns.

The Minister for Planning and Land (Mr. Kenneth Robinson)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 24th April. As far as new building is concerned, builders are showing an increasing interest in the opportunities offered in new towns.—[Vol. 782, c. 120–21.]

Mr. Allason

Does the Minister realise that in London new towns, apart from Bracknell where 100 per cent. of the rented houses are available for sale, only 6 per cent. in the remaining new town are available for sale? How can he achieve 50 per cent. home ownership if only 6 per cent. are available for sale?

Mr. Robinson

As the hon. Member knows, this is a relatively new policy and London new towns for the most part were first generation new towns. They are anxious to move in the direction that the policy announcement indicates and the question of sale of their houses is under discussion between them and the Department.