§ Mr. Reidasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many purchases have been made by local authorities in Scotland of privately built houses which are unsold; and what guidance he has given regarding the position of owner-occupiers in such housing estates.
§ Mr. William RossIn the past year I have authorised seven local authorities to purchase a total of 129 unsold houses from private developers. I consider individual applications to purchase on their merits, including the position of owner-occupiers in the same development.