HC Deb 20 June 1973 vol 858 cc659-61
7. Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has yet met the Chairman of the GLC Housing Committee; and if he will make a statement of the matters discussed.

24. Mr. Stallard

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has yet met the Chairman of the GLC Housing Committee; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Channon

I had a full discussion with the Chairman of the GLC's Housing Development Committee on 13th June. A number of problems of mutual interest were raised and I am now looking forward to a continuation of the past very close co-operation between the council and my Department.

Mr. Cox

I note the Minister's reply. Is the hon. Gentleman now in a position to say what help he intends to give the GLC to acquire land in the outer boroughs? Further, what help will he give authorities to purchase more properties by way of loan sanctions and subsidies so that they can do so in the stress areas?

Mr. Channon

I understand that the chairman of the GLC Housing Development Committee is to have a discussion with all the London boroughs. We must await the outcome of that discussion.

Mr. Tebbit

What advice has my hon. Friend given to the Greater London Housing Development Committee about the sale of council houses?

Mr. Channon

I fear that the Greater London Council and I differ about the sale of council houses. I think that my hon. Friend and I are in agreement on that matter.

Mr. Stallard

Will the Minister tell us what discussions he has had or intends to have with the Chairman of the GLC about speeding up the process of compulsory purchase orders to help alleviate the general problem in stress areas?

Mr. Channon

That point was not raised with the chairman of the housing development committee, but it is one that I am pursuing in view of questions which have been raised. I am hoping that I shall be able to make some improvement in the matter.

Mr. Freeson

As the Under-Secretary of State for the Environment is Chairman of the London Housing Action Group, will he be in a position to tell the House, in answer to the questions already asked, what he proposes to do to enable the GLC and other authorities to purchase land in the outer London areas more speedily, and to get houses built?

Mr. Channon

As I have said, this question relates to the meeting that I had with the GLC Housing Development Committee and the matters which we discussed. At that meeting the chairman told me that she was proposing to have meetings with the chairmen of the London boroughs about the question of land. We must now wait and see what is the outcome of the meetings.