HC Deb 11 April 1983 vol 40 cc540-1
12. Mr. Grist

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he is satisfied with the operation of the right-to-buy legislation for (a) houses and (b) flats by (i) Cardiff city council, (ii) other local authorities and (iii) housing associations in Wales.

Mr. Wyn Roberts

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I will not be satisfied until all public sector tenants who wish to exercise their right to buy and qualify to do so have been able to complete their purchases.

By 31 December 1982, 22,596 council dwellings—including 182 flats—and 13 housing association dwellings—including four flats—had been sold in Wales. Of these, Cardiff city council had sold 1,740 houses but no flats. The Cardiff city council and other local authorities took some time to establish their service charges and this led to considerable delays on the sale of flats. I regret that these delays have taken place and I hope that the authorities will now do their best to meet the legitimate aspirations of their tenants.

Mr. Grist

Does my hon. Friend agree that that is an absolutely deplorable figure from Cardiff city council and shows quite deliberate political foot-dragging on this issue? Is my hon. Friend saying—as he did in an earlier reply—that the only answer is the election of Conservative councillors at next month's local elections?

Mr. Roberts

I can say yes to both parts of that question.

Mr. Geraint Howells

Is the Minister willing to agree that tenants should be able to buy the leasehold rights as well as the property?

Mr. Roberts

That does not strictly arise from the original question, but the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 is on the statute book and leases are purchased under it. This Government amended that Act to make it easier for certain leaseholders to purchase.

Mr. Ray Powell

Since the introduction of this legislation, has there been a reduction or an increase in housing waiting lists?

Mr. Roberts

I have said again and again that the sale of a council dwelling to a secure tenant does not reduce the total housing stock, and therefore does not have a bearing on waiting lists.