§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance his Department issues to local authorities on tendering to get the best price when disposing of land assets.
§ Mr. WaldegraveNone. Except where special provisions apply, as in the case of disposals pursuant to the right to buy, a local authority may dispose of land held by it in any manner it wishes, but it must obtain the Secretary of State's consent for any disposal for a consideration less than the best that can reasonably be obtained. It is for the local authority to consider what professional advice it should receive when it contemplates the sale of a particular site.
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many times in the last 12 months he has used his powers to direct councils to dispose of any land held by them.
§ Mr. ChopeUnder section 98 of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980, the Secretary of State may direct certain public bodies to dispose of the interest held by them in any land entered on the register, compiled by him under section 95 of that Act. He has used that power 25 times in the past 12 months in respect of land owned by local authorities.