HC Deb 02 March 1983 vol 38 cc236-7
11. Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the latest number of rented houses belonging to housing associations in Scotland sold to sitting tenants; and why progress has been slow in view of the demand.

Mr. Allan Stewart

Further to the written answer that I gave to my hon. Friend on 2 February, the number of houses sold by housing associations to sitting tenants is now 20. However, I have no reliable means of estimating demand.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Link housing association has a large number of tenanted houses in my constituency and that a decisive majority of the tenants would wish to buy those houses if a reasonable discount were offered on the same basis as under the tenants' rights legislation for council house tenants?

Mr. Stewart

I appreciate my hon. Friend's point, but we have taken the view that a voluntary approach to sales by housing associations is appropriate. However, I can assure my hon. Friend that we shall continue to monitor the position closely.

Mr. McQuarrie

Surely my hon. Friend will appreciate that if he allows the housing associations to retain a voluntary approach to the purchase of houses that will handicap those who wish to purchase their houses under the Tenants' Rights, Etc. (Scotland) Act 1980, which applies also to—[Interruption.]—

Mr. Dewar

What about the private sector tenant? He would welcome the right to buy with a discount.

Mr. McQuarrie

If the hon. Member for Glasgow, Garscadden (Mr. Dewar) wishes to say something during my question, he should speak up. Those who are handicapped include prison officers, who at present are located away from the prison. This is detrimental to the interests of keeping the family together within the community rather than within the confines of the prison.

Mr. Stewart

With regard to my hon. Friend's second point, I have recently announced the extension of the sales scheme to all prison officer housing, with few exceptions. I appreciate his first point. That is why we continue to monitor the situation closely.

Mr. Robet Hughes

Why does not the Minister's passion for home ownership extend to tenants in private rented property, especially when, over many years, the owners have recouped 10 to 100 times the cost of the house in rents?

Mr. Stewart

Because local authority and housing association housing is financed by the Exchequer. As the hon. Gentleman's party wishes to nationalise virtually everything, I am not surprised that he cannot tell the difference between public and private property rights.