HC Deb 26 April 1972 vol 835 c296W
Sir R. Cary

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many council houses were sold in Manchester in each of the years 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971, inclusive; and what action he is taking to ensure that the figure continues to rise in 1972.

Mr. Eyre

The numbers of houses sold annually by Manchester CBC since 1967 have been as follows:

1967 nil
1968 nil
1969 223
1970 206
1971 1,000
The Council decided in 1971 to stop selling its houses and none were sold in the final quarter of last year or since. This is a matter for great regret. The council should be fully aware of the advantages of selling council houses to meet the wishes of many of its tenants who wish to buy. The encouragement of owner occupation in this way is something we should all wish to encourage. My right hon. Friend is keeping the general position on the sale of council houses under close review.