HC Deb 21 June 1984 vol 62 c232W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations the Government have received opposing the proposal on the transfer of Greater London council housing stock in Thamesmead to the local borough councils.

Sir George Young

Some representations opposing transfer to local councils have suggested transfer to single-minded statutory or voluntary management bodies.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what views have been expressed on the Government's proposals to remove the obligations to renovate the stock to modern standards imposed on the Greater London council in the orders transferring the council's stock to the London borough councils and district councils outside London.

Sir George Young

Thirty-three consultees opposed the proposal that the London boroughs should carry out and finance renovation works. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend to my hon. Friend the member for Bury, North (Mr. Burt) on 4 May 1984, at columns 264–67 in which, in the light of comments, he said that account is to be taken of the needs for improvement expenditure in the arrangements to maintain the broad financial effect of the GLC's obligatory revenue contributions within London after abolition.

As to the district councils, we proposed not that the obligations should be removed, but that they should be transferred to the London residuary body.