§ Mr. Steenasked the Minister of Transport (1) how long work has been going on and how many officers have been involved in the work currently undertaken within his Department with regard to the disposal of surplus houses in the ownership of the Department; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is the nature and cost of the work currently being undertaken by his Department with regard to the sale of houses in the ownership of his Department; and when it will be concluded.
§ Mr. FowlerThe disposal of surplus houses is a continuing and integral part of the work of our regional organisations. Centrally, we have been reviewing our arrangements so as to bring them as nearly as possible into line with the "Right to Buy" provisions of the Housing Act. We had, however, also to resolve the potential conflict with the extension of the Crichel Down principle, on which my right hon. Friend the Secretary 349W of State for the Environment issued a consultation document on 3 October. The final comments of those organization which currently lease properties on own behalf are due this week, and the review should then be completed very shortly indeed.