§ 12. Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will review the criteria relative to the purchase of existing housing stock by local housing authorities, with particular regard to helping authorities in areas where second and holiday homes are prevalent to buy houses that come on the market and let them to local people on the waiting list for council housing.
§ Mr. Alec JonesHousing authorities already have adequate powers under the Housing Acts to acquire existing properties to meet housing needs in their areas. The main block allocations given to housing authorities in Wales for 1977–78 can be spent on these acquisitions at the discretion of the authorities.
§ Mr. WigleyIs the Minister aware of the difficulties experienced in areas such as Dwyfor, Arfon and other parts of Gwynedd because of the pressure of the second-home market on house prices and the comparability between the market price and the district valuation? In view of his answer, can he give an assurance that he will meet representatives of the district councils in those areas to discuss the matter further?
§ Mr. Alec JonesI am always willing to meet district councils in Wales on any aspect of housing policy. I remind the hon. Gentleman that since May 1976 the councils have had the power to use their own valuers. But it is true that market value remains the prime consideration. I do not think that the hon. Gentleman is really suggesting that local authorities should be paying above the market price for these properties, otherwise not only the local authorities but the incoming tenants would suffer.