HC Deb 15 July 1987 vol 119 cc553-4W
Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to legalise homesteading in local authority houses which have been empty for six months or more; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

"Homesteading" (selling unimproved properties for improvement by the purchaser) is already legal. My right hon. Friend has given his general consent under section 32 of the Housing Act 1985 to enable authorities to pursue homesteading policies.