§ Lord Northfieldasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to consult the relevant local authorities on the draft regulations concerning consultation of new town corporation tenants about transfer of ownership of their houses; and whether they can now indicate a firm timetable for consultation of tenants in Telford.
§ Lord HeskethThe Government's proposals for consulting tenants were set out in a consultative document issued on 20th October. This document went to all interested parties, including the relevant local authorities, and a copy is in the Library. I outlined these proposals during the debate on the Committee stage of the Local Government and Housing Bill (col. 490 of theOfficial Report for 11th October). It is our intention that these proposals will form the basis of the regulations governing consultation, transfer and related matters.
The regulations are likely to come into force early next year. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State will then consider whether to initiate the transfer of the new housing at Telford. Consultation of tenants would follow an independent valuation of the stock.