§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what checks his Department is making on the accuracy of lists of houses submitted to him by local authorities for exemption from sale to sitting tenants due to this being old people's dwellings; and if it is his policy to ensure that such claims will be granted by his Department only on properties specifically and clearly built as old people's dwellings prior to the Housing Act 1980.
§ Mr. StanleyIn accordance with paragraph 5 of schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1980, a determination which would have the effect of excluding a dwelling from the right to buy will be issued where my right hon. Friend is satisfied that the dwelling is designed or specially adapted for occupation by persons of pensionable age and that it is the landlord's practice to let it only for occupation by such persons. When applications are made, the Department will ask the landlord to provide a statement that the requirements of paragraph 5 are satisfied, together with the evidence upon which this statement is based. Where appropriate, comments on the landlord's case for exclusion will be sought from the tenant and vice versa before the determination is made.