§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will free from restrictions the cash held by local authorities from council house sales receipts for a phased programme of construction of homes to rent and for a phased programme of modernisation and refurbishment; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will permit an increase in the percentage of council house sales receipts being made available for use by local authorities.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesNo changes are planned. The rules already allow all capital receipts from council house sales to be used for new capital spending where there is no outstanding loan debt. Changing the requirements of section 59 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 would increase public borrowing.