§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he takes to encourage public authorities to release for sale unused housing properties owned by them.
§ Sir George YoungMy right hon. Friend has made it possible for local housing authorities to sell vacant houses to priority purchasers, such as first time buyers, at discounts of up to 30 per cent. Consent is also available for sales to developers if houses are to be improved for owner-occupation. Other ways of bringing empty dwellings back into use are suggested in the Department's report "Reducing the Number of Empty Dwellings", copies of which are in the Library. As regards other public authorities, policy on sales is a matter for the body concerned, but in general the aim is to dispose of accommodation which is surplus to requirements.