HC Deb 31 March 1971 vol 814 c362W
59. Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will amend his local government finance policy in such a way as will enable local authorities to purchase houses owned by the National Coal Board.

Mr. Channon

The hon. Member wrote to my hon. Friend on this subject and as I have explained in my reply, the acquisition by local authorities of existing buildings for the purposes of Part V of the Housing Act, 1957 will no longer require the Department's approval after 1st April, 1971., This is part of the new loan sanction procedures described in the Department's Circular 2/70.