§ Mr. Gerald Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to when Mr. P. Sheffield and Miss R. Lewis can expect to receive approval for the purchase of their council home at 46 Sunray avenue from Southwark council.
§ Mr. John PattenI understand that the London borough of Southwark issued legal documents on 17 December to the solicitors acting for the purchasers and proposed a completion date of 3 February.
§ Mr. Gerald Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to the causes 137W for delay in the purchase by Mr. and Mrs. W. Plant of their council home at 8, Bradlord house, West Dulwich; and when he now expects Southwark council to complete the transaction.
§ Mr. John PattenI understand that the London borough of Southwark wrote to the purchasers' solicitors with all the necessary conveyancing documents on 11 July 1985 and is still awaiting the solicitors' reply. If there are any outstanding difficulties, perhaps my hon. Friend will write to me.
§ Mr. Gerald Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to the reasons for further delay by Southwark council in processing the application of Mr. G. Armour of 129B Copleston road to buy his council home; and when he now expects the transaction to be completed.
§ Mr. John PattenMr. Armour's application was among a number delayed at completion stage at Southwark council's procedure of requiring member level approval to be given to the sale of a property before legal documentation could be issued. Following discussions with my Department, these procedures were abandoned in October 1985. I expect this will lead generally to a substantial reduction in the delays previously experienced by purchasers at completion stage.
It appears, however, that further delays have occurred in Mr. Armour's case. I understand that Mr. Armour will be able to complete his purchase on 20 January, but I am seeking a full explanation from Southwark council and will write to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Gerald Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what information he has as to the reasons for the delay by Southwark council in finalising the sale of 41 Kennoldes, Croxted road to Mr. and Mrs Moakes;
(2) what action he proposes to take in the light of the delays being experienced by tenants exercising their right to buy from the London borough of Southwark; and what information he has as to when Mr. D. Herbert of 3 Kennoldes, Croxted road can expect to complete the purchase of his home;
(3) what information he has as to when Mr. and Mrs. J. Baldwin of 9 Hillsborough road may expect to receive the legal documents from Southwark council in respect of their application to purchase their council home.
§ Mr. John PattenThese cases were held up because of an unfortunate delay on the part of Southwark council in producing a standard form of transfer for sales of leasehold property, following the extension of the right to buy in 1984 to properties in which the landlord's interest is leasehold.
I understand that Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin completed their purchase on 29 July 1985; Mr. and Mrs. Moakes on 23 September 1985; and Mr. Herbert on 23 December 1985.