HC Deb 05 February 1973 vol 850 cc17-8
17. Mr. Gower

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many houses and flats were built for owner-occupation in Wales during 1972; how many were erected in Wales during 1972 through co-ownership schemes; and what were the comparable figures in each case during 1971.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Private sector completions rose from 9,174 in 1971 to 10,635 in 1972. Nearly all these dwellings were for owner-occupation. Co-ownership societies built 313 dwellings in 1972 as against 42 in 1971.

Mr. Gower

Regarding one aspect of owner-occupation, can my hon. Friend indicate whether his Department is satisfield with the response to its appeal to local authorities to consider sales to council tenants in appropriate cases and subject to appropriate conditions?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

Yes, Sir, Although the pattern is patchy, many local authorities are now coming round to our view that to sell houses to their tenants is the right policy.

Mr. John

Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that the total of private and public housing is the lowest for a decade, and does he agree that if fewer council houses were built they could be sold to their tenants at a premium because they would have a considerable scarcity value?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

I must go back to my reply to Question No. 2. The total in the public sector and the private sector and of both the public and private sectors for improvement grants has risen since 1968 from 26,189 to 41,000 and over.