HC Deb 14 July 1970 vol 803 cc155-6W
31. Mr. Freeson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what conditions he proposes to impose on the sale of council houses.

Mr. Peter Walker

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of Circular 54/70 which, apart from removing the restrictions on numbers, repeats the conditions set out in the previous Circular 24/67.

Mr. Milne

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will issue a circular to local authorities stating that in providing houses for sale every step must first be taken to ensure that the needs of those requiring houses for rent must be given prior consideration.

Mr. Graham Page

In his circular on the sale of council houses my right hon. Friend made it clear that he expects authorities to take vigorous action to meet the needs of those who are homeless or inadequately housed.

Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the total number of council houses; how many of them have been sold to tenants to date; of these, how many had been sold to tenants before the ceiling of one-quarter of one per cent. was fixed; and how many he estimates will be sold within the next five years.

Mr. Channon

It is not possible to make an estimate of future sales.