§ 32. Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of the proposal by the North-West water authority to dispose of houses in the Lake District national park which then may be used as second homes, if he will issue a circular to water authorities and other public authorities for which he has responsibility requesting them to dispose of houses to homeless local people rather than to those who wish to have a second home.
§ Mr. StanleyA consent has already been issued enabling county and district councils to sell empty dwellings at discounts of up to 30 per cent. to certain priority groups, including the homeless. As far as the water authorities are concerned, it is for them to decide to whom to dispose of their surplus dwellings but I should hope they would have regard to the needs of local people in need of homes and other first-time buyers.