§ Mr. Durantasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking following the responses of the seven authorities named in the statement made by the Minister for Housing and Construction on 15 April on his Department's letter stating that he was contemplating intervention under section 23 of the Housing Act 1980.
§ Mr. HeseltineI have received responses from all seven authorities.
Regarding the borough of Camden, I have considered the measures which the authority has taken to ensure that their tenants are able to exercise the right to buy effectively and expeditiously, the progress which the authority has made since the beginning of April and its statement of intent as to future progress in implementing the right to buy In the light of these considerations I have decided not to intervene in Camden at present. I shall, of course, keep the position under review and I look to the authority to put its intentions into practical effect within the timetable it has indicated.
Regarding the other six authorities—Barking and Dagenham, Greenwich, Newham Sheffield, Stoke-on-Trent and Wolverhampton—meetings are being arranged to take place with each of these authorities in the next few days and I am also asking for a report of the position as at the end of May. I shall then announce my decision in respect of each of them shortly afterwards.
I am also sending today letters to the following authorities stating that I am contemplating intervention under section 23: Barnsley, Middlesbrough, Walsall and Waltham Forest.