HC Deb 29 February 1972 vol 832 cc94-5W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the number of dwellings to be built by the Wolverhampton Housing Committee during 1972–73; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Channon

It is for the local authority to assess the number of dwellings it should provide in the light of its judgment of housing needs.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he is aware that a proposal to build 100 low cost houses for sale to young couples on the housing list on land owned by the local authority at Prouds Lane, Bilston, has been rejected by the Housing Committee; and if he will intervene and ask for reconsideration of this proposal;

(2) what price was paid for the land at Prouds Lane, Bilston when it was purchased by the local authority; and when it was purchased;

(3) if he is aware that the land at Prouds Lane, Bilston, now owned by the local authority is to be sold for private development; and what action he proposes to take;

(4) how much the local authority will receive for the land at Prouds Lane, Bilston as a result of its sale to a private developer; and what is the size of the site;

(5) how many sites other than Prouds Lane at present owned by the Bilston local authority are to be sold for private development instead of being used for local authority housing or other purposes; and what is the size of each;

(6) how many private dwellings will be built on land now owned by the 13ilston local authority to be sold for private development;

(7) how much land included in the Bilston local authority's building programme is to be sold for private development; and how many houses will be lost by the local authority and built by private developers as a result;

(8) if he is aware that there are 4,500 families on the Wolverhampton housing waiting lists; and what action he intends to take to ensure that land bought for local housing needs are so used.

Mr. Channon

These Questions all relate to matters which are, in the first instance at least, for the council to decide. I suggest the hon. Member should seek the factual information she asks for from the council.