HC Deb 21 October 1987 vol 120 cc830-1W
Mr. Meale

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress of the negotiations between British Coal and the Consortium of Housing Associations led by CIPFA Services over the sale of British Coal houses in Nottinghamshire; and whether his Department is prepared to make resources available to make up any difference between British Coal's asking price and the consortium's offer.

Mrs. Roe

We understand that these negotiations are still in progress, and hope that it will prove possible for the parties to reach agreement. My right hon. Friend, however, does not consider that it would be appropriate for public resources to be used to enable a purchase to proceed on terms more favourable to British Coal than the consortium felt able to offer.

Mr. Meale

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to confer upon the tenants of British Coal houses the right to buy their homes; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

The Housing Act 1985 confers the right to buy on secure tenants of local authorities, certain housing associations, new town corporations and some other public bodies with similar functions, but there are no plans to extend it to tenants of nationalised industries. Tenants of British Coal housing have, however, had the opportunity to buy their homes at discounted prices since 1976.