§ Mr. Allenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether the major reform of housing legislation foreshadowed in the Queen's Speech will include measures to empower local councils to sell off council estates, or parts thereof, to private companies; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what information he has about the number of local councils which, under current legislation, have disposed of council estates, or parts thereof, to private companies; and if he will list the authorities concerned.
§ Mr. WaldegraveLocal authorities may dispose of housing and housing land with the consent of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. A general consent has been granted for the disposal of vacant housing for owner-occupation; disposals of tenanted housing, other than to sitting tenants, require special consent. Consents were granted, in 1983 and 1984, for the disposal of the Cantril Farm estate by Knowsley borough council to the Stockbridge Village trust and of the Strinesdale estate by Oldham borough council to the Irwin Group.