§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the decision of National Association of Local Government Officer members employed by Glasgow district council to refuse to process the sale of houses under the Tenants' Rights Etc. (Scotland) Act, if he will use his powers under that Act to transfer negotiations for the sale of council houses to the Lands Tribunal for Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. RifkindMy right hon. Friend has no powers to transfer the sale of council houses to the Lands Tribunal. This would be a matter for the tenants themselves. He has, however, made it clear that he would, if necessary, take firm action under other powers available to him to ensure that housing authorities comply with section 7 of the Tenants Rights Etc. (Scotland) Act, which requires them to make provision for the progression of applications from tenants to purchase their houses.