HC Deb 07 April 1976 vol 909 cc166-7W
39. Mr. Douglas-Mann

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the social and economic effects of the sale of council houses.

Mr. Freeson

Not at present. Such social and economic factors are among the issues with which the housing finance review is concerned.

Mr. Newton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the total proceeds obtained from council and new town house sales in 1972–73; and what was the comparable figure in 1975–76.

Mr. Freeson

In 1972–73, rented houses in England representing an aggregate selling price of about £235 million were sold. Capital receipts in the same year amounted to some £112 million. The corresponding figures for 1973–74 were £98 million and £56 million and for 1974–75 £9 million and £17½ million. The differences mainly represent related advances to purchasers by local authorities. Corresponding figures for 1975–76 are not yet available.