§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will estimate the total number of properties owned by or in the control of all local authorities in England and Wales to which the Defective Premises Act applies.
§ Mr. StanleyI shall write to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has recently received from local authorities and other local government organisations in connection with the operation of the right-to-buy provisions of the Housing Act 1980 in respect of properties which are structurally unsound; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyWe have received representations from a number of local authorities and other bodies to the effect that where there is reason to believe that a dwellinghouse is structurally unsound, this should be a reason for denying to the tenant of that dwellinghouse the right to buy his home. Under the provisions of the Housing Act 1980, secure tenants have the right to buy their homes and I am considering any proposals to limit that right. Nevertheless, it is clearly in the interests of both the landlord and the tenant that the tenant should be fully informed about the condition of the property before deciding to buy, which is why we have recommended that tenants who are buying their homes should have them surveyed.
§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will bring forward proposals to exclude from the right-to-buy provisions of the Housing Act 1980 those dwellings to which the Defective Premises Act 1972 applies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyNo, as this would exclude from the right-to-buy all premises let by local authorities where they are responsible for maintenance or repair.