HC Deb 27 February 1980 vol 979 cc1349-50
20. Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is yet able to announce his proposals for reducing delays in processing applications for council house sales.

Mr. Stanley

The changes in the general consents referred to in my right hon. Friend's answer of 1 February to my hon. Friend the Member for Reading, North (Mr. Durant) will help to avoid such delays.

Mr. Moate

Does my hon. Friend agree that, because of the immense demand by people to buy their own home, there have been considerable delays in processing applications and making valuations? Will the Minister confirm that local authorities can, to avoid such delays, contract some of the work out to private enterprise estate agents and solicitors, thus ensuring that delays do not occur?

Mr. Stanley

My hon. Friend is entirely right. They can most certainly do so and we would encourage local authorities to do that where they think that it is right.

Mr. Winnick

Instead of worrrying about council house sales should not the Minister be far more concerned with the devastating blow inflicted and the misery caused by the decision last week, when the House was deliberately misled?

Mr. Stanley

I am also concerned about realising the aspirations to home ownership of council tenants.

Mr. Allan Roberts

Does not the Minister agree that the Government-imposed cuts in public expenditure by local authorities have meant reductions in staff and that that in turn has meant a delay in the processing of council house sales? Is he aware that local authorities are justified in not diverting staff needed for other essential housing matters to this particular activity?

Mr. Stanley

The hon. Member should take note of what happened in Leeds when the Conservatives took control of the council and started to sell council houses. There was a reduction in council staff at the same time.