HC Deb 14 July 1970 vol 803 cc1354-5
26. Mr. Allason

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he is taking to encourage the sale of new town houses to tenants.

Mr. Peter Walker

I shall certainly be doing everything I can to encourage these sales, and positive steps for increasing them will be discussed with corporations and the Commission over the next few weeks, when I hope to be able to make a statement.

Mr. Allason

Will my right hon. Friend ensure that there is no substantial difference between the treatment, from the point of view of the terms of sale, of council houses and new town houses; and if there is a discount of up to 20 per cent. on the sale of new town houses, may I assure my right hon. Friend that he will be surprised at the demand that will arise?

Mr. Walker

I am anxious to encourage home ownership in new towns and elsewhere.

Mr. Rankin

Nevertheless, will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that a house will never be sold over the head of a sitting tenant who does not want to buy?

Mr. Walker

As far as public authority housing is concerned, certainly.

Mr. Tebbit

Is my right hon. Friend aware that unless he extends to new town houses the terms contained in his recent circular about council house sales, there could be great discrimination shown against new town tenants, who might have to pay up to 25 per cent. more for a similar house in a similar street in a similar town?

Mr. Walker

I assure my hon. Friend that I am aware of these points. Many complicated details are involved. These are being discussed and I have promised to make a statement as soon as possible.

Mr. Orme

Why is the right hon. Gentleman in favour of the sale of council houses but against local authorities building houses for sale?

Mr. Walker

The reason is simple: the building industry is quite able to cope with this problem.