HC Deb 13 January 1986 vol 89 cc458-9W
Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long the houses owned by his Department in Townley gardens, Birmingham, have been empty; when he expects disposal to take place; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

The seventeen houses became empty on various dates since June 1981 but mainly in 1983. It was decided in July 1984 to dispose of 13 of the houses; later it was decided to dispose of the other four. Contracts in respect of all the houses have been exchanged with a prospective purchaser. Purchase of one .pf them has now been completed and the prospective purchaser is legally committed to completion of purchase of the remaining sixteen by 31 January. Negotiations with two previous prospective purchasers were unsuccessful.