HC Deb 14 June 1972 vol 838 c1502
26. Mr. Marks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will investigate the sale of council houses by the Denton, Lancashire, Urban District Council with special reference to increases in valuation of over 40 per cent. during the past year.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Reginald Eyre)

I would certainly regard the increase in this case as exceptional but I understand that there were special factors here. I have written to the hon. Member about this.

Mr. Marks

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that when a man is asked £3,900 for his house, when his neighbour bought an identical house for £2,700 a few weeks previously, the situation calls for special investigation? Is it not understandable that the council, in view of the valuations it has received, has now ceased to sell its council houses? Is it the Government's view that it is the duty of councils to sell houses under existing legislation?

Mr. Eyre

Differences of prices occur because tenants apply to buy at different times. Unfortunately, the differences were dramatically illustrated in the case to which the hon. Gentleman refers. But his complaint about the administration should be taken up locally.