§ 18. Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has yet reached agreement with those local authorities to which new town houses have been transferred on the settlement of claims under section 10 of the New Towns (Amendment) Act 1976.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergNo, Sir.
§ Mr. NewensHow does the Minister justify the disgraceful procrastination that has taken place on the 274 settlement of the section 10 claims, which is preventing local authorities from carrying out essential works such as those required to be done in my constituency on a defective district heating scheme at Brocklesmead? Does the hon. Gentleman realise that unless some early action is taken he should not have the effrontery to criticise other authorities that keep houses empty? Does he understand that he is making it difficult for good authorities with good records—such as that enjoyed by the authority in my constituency—to keep their houses in a state in which they can be occupied?
§ Mr. FinsbergI am sure that the hon. Gentleman is aware that negotiations on the defects began when the Labour Government were in office.
§ Mr. NewensThey are still going on.
§ Mr. FinsbergIt is a difficult problem. I have made it clear time and again—the local authorities know this, even if they have not told the hon. Gentleman—that the settlement of the claim need not prejudice their starting on urgent repairs.