§ 7. Mr. Molyneauxasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in the provision of sound title for Housing Executive properties available for sale to tenants.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe Northern Ireland Housing Executive is responsible for the day-to-day administration of its voluntary sales scheme. However, I understand from the vice-chairman that sound title has been established for 1226 over 3,000 holdings. There are at present some 169 holdings where there are title problems, and the Housing Executive is endeavouring to resolve these on the basis of negotiated agreement with neighbouring landowners. The majority of the 21,000 sales completed to date have progressed smoothly.
§ Mr. MolyneauxAs the ownership of at least some of those properties has passed through the hands of no fewer than four successive authorities, will the Minister consider introducing legislation to clear up the confusion in those remaining cases once and for all, bearing in mind that the number is likely to increase as fresh applications for purchase are received?
§ Mr. PattenThere are certainly problems—and I noted what was said by the hon. Member for South Down (Mr. Powell) on the financial provisions order—but I do not consider that the difficulty is quite so acute as the right hon. Gentleman suggests. We are still managing to complete 100 sales a week. I think that that is very encouraging and a vindication of the policy so wisely started by the Labour Government and vigorously continued by the present Government. However, I shall keep the matter under review.