§ Q10. Mr. Fowlerasked the Prime Minister whether he will place a copy of his public speech on housing on 7th May at Sidcup in the Library.
§ The Prime MinisterI refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave on my behalf on Tuesday 22nd May to my hon. Friend the Member for Conway (Mr. Wyn Roberts) and others.—[Vol. 857, c. 221.]
§ Mr. FowlerI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Does not it make nonsense of the Opposition's claim to represent the interests of owner-occupiers, when thousands of council tenants are being prevented by the policy of Labour-controlled councils from buying their own homes?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir, I absolutely agree.
§ Mr. John FraserIf the Prime Minister wants to see better housing in London, will he examine the scandalous situation in which local authorities have to wait between 9 and 12 months for compulsory orders to be confirmed upon empty houses and land urgently needed for rehousing in inner London?
§ The Prime MinisterEvery endeavour has been made to speed up the time taken to deal with compulsory purchase orders. I am prepared to ask my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State to reconsider this matter. If the hon. Gentleman has any specific instances, perhaps he will let me have particulars of them.