§ Mr. Douglas-Mannasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what will be his policy in relation to proposals for the compulsory purchase of tenanted residential accommodation; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonIt is the Government's policy to extend the social ownership of rented accommodation and additional provision is being made in public expenditure for housing to enable early progress to be made, mainly through purchase by agreement. My right hon. Friend will be issuing a circular shortly to local authorities giving guidance on this matter. Any proposals for compulsory purchase orders would of course need to be considered on their individual merits. In the context of forthcoming housing legislation consideration is being given to additional powers of compulsory purchase in areas of housing stress.