HC Deb 05 May 1976 vol 910 cc1289-90
9. Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many council houses in Lincolnshire have been sold to sitting tenants since January 1974.

Mr. Armstrong

Five dwellings, not built specifically for sale, have been reported sold.

Mr. Brotherton

Does the Minister agree that that is a disgracefully low figure? Will he press his right hon. Friend to reverse the Government's policy and to make sure that sitting tenants in council houses who wish to purchase their properties may do so?

Mr. Armstrong

I do not agree with the hon. Member. It is for the local authority concerned, which knows the circumstances, to make such decisions. As for the general policy, I refer the hon. Member to the statement by my right hon. Friend in Hansard on 28th April, at column 416.

Mr. Ward

Does my hon. Friend not agree that the earlier remarks by the hon. Member for Braintree (Mr. Newton) about young couples being caught in a trap demonstrate that owner-occupation has been forced down the throats of some young people, and that it is important to keep a pool of rented accommodation for those who need it?

Mr. Armstrong

I agree that there are those living in intolerable circumstances who are completely dependent upon local authority housing. A doctrinaire approach to this matter does not help them.

Mr. Rossi

Is the Minister aware of the survey carried out by the British Market Research Bureau, which showed that nearly 80 per cent. of those in the 20 to 24 age group wished to buy a house if they could? Will he encourage local councils to build in partnership with private builders and sell council houses, so that the desire of these young people may be satisfied?

Mr. Armstrong

In a recent debate my right hon. Friend outlined very fully and clearly the Government's policy on the sale of council houses. Many of those who are living in the most difficult circumstances are completely dependent on local authorities for decent dwellings, and we have to pay regard to that.