§ Mr. Townsendasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made by the GLC in transferring its estates to the London boroughs; and if he will encourage the GLC to speed up this process.
§ Mr. FreesonSome 50,000 properties have so far been transferred. This represents the bulk of stock scheduled for transfer under the first two phases of the programme drawn up by the GLC, in agreement with the London Boroughs Association, as required by the London Government Act 1963.
The third phase allows for an absorption period of two or three years, before the commencement of the final phase of transfers, and it is unlikely, therefore, that the GLC and the London boroughs will seek an order for the transfer of any 282W appreciable number of properties before 1975. I do not consider any acceleration of this agreed programme is called for.