§ 64. Mr. H. Boardmanasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he is taking to assist local authorities in high pressure areas to release more land for housing development.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe allocation of land for housing is primarily a matter for the local planning authorities. In the areas of greatest pressure the Department, and the Land Commission, have taken special steps to ascertain the facts about land and to encourage the authorities to release more. Where proposals to bring forward more land for development in these areas require my right hon. Friend's approval he will do everything possible to ensure speedy decisions.
§ 74. Mr. John Leeasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will seek powers to ascertain how many local authorities have, during the past twelve months, sold to private developers land scheduled for housing, and in how many cases such land has been used for purposes other than housing; and if he will also seek powers to ascertain the number of local authorities maintaining a waiting list of applicants for housing.
§ Mr. FreesonMy right hon. Friend does not need fresh powers to seek such information from local authorities.
268W
§ 75. Mr. John Leeasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many local authorities have not commenced building any new council houses in the period since the beginning of April.
§ Mr. GreenwoodThere were 599 housing authorities in England and Wales who did not report starting any council dwellings in the seven months from the beginning of April to the end of October.