§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with progress being made by Welsh local authorities in response to applications from tenants wishing to exercise their right to buy under the Housing Act 1980.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsI am closely watching the position in Wales, and in particular in four areas: Newport, where the council has resolved not to sell prefabricated dwellings and ground floor flats: and Cardiff, Wrexham Maelor and Ogwr where, from reports I have received, the councils appear to be slow in processing right-to-buy applications. My Department has 173W written to these authorities, and I shall be looking for a marked improvement in their performance in processing applications by tenants to exercise their right to buy. I shall consider whether further action is warranted in the light of their responses. My officials will be looking at the situation in other areas of Wales if complaints of delays are received.