HC Deb 31 July 1981 vol 9 cc588-9W
Mr. Murphy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will use his powers under the Housing Act 1980 to ensure that Welwyn Hatfield district council speeds up its council home sales.

Mr. Stanley

If my hon. Friend has information on the council's progress which he wishes to be taken into account, my right hon. Friend will be glad to consider it and decide whether further action should be taken.

Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take immediate action to ensure that Rotherham borough council is not required to sell dwellings designed for the elderly and disabled in view of the response to a petition from this authority earlier in the current year.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Schedule 1 to the Housing Act 1980 provides that the right to buy does not extend to dwellings specially designed for the elderly or disabled. Where the Secretary of State's determination is required under paragraph 5 of that schedule, landlords' applications will be considered in accordance with the stated criteria.