HC Deb 03 March 1970 vol 797 cc246-7
16. Mr. McNamara

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will introduce legislation to prevent the sale by local authorities of publicly-owned land purchased for council housing to private developers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Denis Howell

My right hon. Friend's consent is already required if the land was purchased compulsorily and not subsequently appropriated or is being offered for sale at less than market value. Local authorities wishing to sell lend should act in accordance with circulars 48 of 1959 and 57 of 1966, and, in particular, they must satisfy themselves that the land is, in fact, surplus to requirements. Apart from these considerations, decisions to put forward proposals for land acquisition or disposal must be taken by a local authority having regard to local needs. It would not be appropriate for such decisions to be subject to further Government scrutiny.

Mr. McNamara

Is my hon. Friend aware that a particular plot of land in my constituency was bought out of revenue by a Labour council and that a Tory Government refused to give permission to this far-seeing measure designed to meet housing needs in that city? Is it not a deplorable state of affairs that the Tory council is now cutting down on the building of houses needed for slum clearance?

Mr. Howell

I am not aware of that, and if the facts are as stated I would have a great deal of sympathy. It is a matter that should be decided at the polls.

Sir G. Nabarro

But would the hon. Gentleman turn the coin on the other side and deprecate local authorities which remain gorged with unwanted land that they hang on to indefinitely?

Mr. Howell

There is very little evidence that that is occurring in our great conurbations where there are tremendous housing needs.