§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications have been received by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive from tenants wishing to purchase their homes; how many sales have been completed; and what explanation he has received regarding the delays that have occurred.
§ Mr. David MitchellThis is a matter for the Housing Executive, but I understand from the chairman that at 17 July 1981 the position was as follows:
Number Applications received 30,213 Number of offers made 24,708 Number of offers accepted 11,382 Number of cases referred to solicitors 8,895 Number of contracts signed 5,883 Number of cases completed 3,807 The major factor which is causing delay in processing applications has been the number received. In addition, there are cases where the executive experienced difficulty in establishing title. These problems are being overcome. Generally, I am pleased with the current completion rate of approximately 120 per week, which I understand is well above the rate achieved by any other housing authority in the United Kingdom.