§ Sir John Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many houses have been demolished in each of the last three years to make way for local authority development.
§ Mr. StanleyThis precise information is not available. However, I understand that most clearance areas are subsequently used for local authority development. In the last three years the number of dwellings demolished in clearance areas has been:
1976 … … 40,566 1977 … … 32,895 1978 … … 25,852
§ Sir John Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will issue guidance to local housing authorities that they should carry out no demolitions and take no steps to make uninhabitable homes which are in an area for which development authority is being sought by the local authorities themselves.
§ Mr. StanleyThis is primarily a matter for local authorities to decide in the light of their statutory duties. The Department's circular 76/77 advises authorities that short-life property should be used as living accommodation for the longest possible time. I have no present proposals for further advice to local authorities.