§ Mr. Douglas-Mannasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the latest estimate of the houses likely to be acquired by local authorities under the municipalisation programme during 1975–76, nationally and region by region; and how this compares with 1974–75.
§ Mr. ArmstrongSome 26,000 dwellings were acquired in 1974–75. The figure for the current year is likely to be somewhat lower, although present indications are that it will exceed 20,000. I regret regional figures are not readily available.
§ Mr. Douglas-Mannasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will extend the general consent for the acquisition of residential property under Circular 64/75 (1) to all houses in housing action areas (2) to all houses in general improvement areas (3) to houses formerly owned by local authorities notwithstanding the expiration of the preemption period (4) to houses which have been empty for three months or more.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe existing general consent will expire on 31st March. The arrangements for the financial year 1976–77 are at present being given careful consideration, and will take into account the report of the Study Group on Programmes of Social Ownership and Renovation of Council Dwellings. The report included a recommendation that the categories of the general consent should be broadened, so as to bring acquisitions more in line with the stated objectives of the Government's municipalisation policy and to give local authorities wider discretion. A circular giving details of the new arrangements will be issued as soon as possible.