§ 25. Mr. Allasonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what proposals he now has regarding the disposal of the housing stock of the Commission for the New Towns.
§ 31. Mr. Moonmanasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the timetable for the transfer of new town housing assets to the appropriate local authority.
§ Mr. Denis HowellMy right hon. Friend is considering this matter and hopes to make a statement in the summer.
§ Mr. AllasonWill the Minister recognise that his policy of disposal of houses to both tenants and local authorities at market value would impose unacceptable costs on local authorities if, in accordance with Government legislation, houses are handed over to them?
§ Mr. HowellNo, Sir. As far as I know, the sale of houses at market value has been accepted on both sides of the House, and it would raise serious questions of principle if we attempted to depart from that.
§ Mr. NewensIs my hon. Friend aware that there is a great deal of disappointment in the new towns that more speedy progress has not been made towards handing over new town assets to the local authorities, and that the local authorities are extremely concerned that housing assets should be handed over at existing loan debt?
§ Mr. HowellI am well aware that there is a desire for a speedy determination of the matter on the part of local authorities in new town areas. I hope that my announcement of a time when we hope to make a statement will go some way towards satisfying them that the matter is having speedy attention at our end.