HC Deb 17 March 1987 vol 112 cc439-40W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions have taken place between his Department and both the London residuary body and Thamesmead Town Ltd., regarding the terms of sale and a sale price for the land and buildings of Thamesmead; and what factors were taken into account when agreeing this price.

Mr. Chope

This Department has had full discussions with both the LRB and Thamesmead town regarding the terms of sale and sale price for the land and buildings at Thamesmead. In doing so, the Department has taken into account the need for the terms to be fair and reasonable

to London ratepayers while allowing for the completion of the development of Thamesmead, the management of the housing and commercial property and the sale assets.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what will happen to the receipts from the sale of Thamesmead; how much of the total sale price will be paid initially by Thamesmead Town Ltd. to the London residuary body; and how further payments will be arranged.

Mr. Chope

Receipts from the sale of Thamesmead will go to the LRB for distribution in accordance with the Local Government Reorganisation (Capital Money) (Greater London) Order 1987. We shall make an announcement shortly on the terms of the sale.

Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list in the Official Report (a) the number of both tenants and owner-occupiers as a percentage of the population of Thamesmead and (b) the percentage of both tenants and owner-occupiers who voted in favour of a trust headed by Mr. Clive Thornton in October 1985 in the poll organised by his Department.

Mr. Chope

The population of Thamesmead comprises about two thirds tenants and one third owner-occupiers: according to 1985 figures, 5,500 dwellings are tenanted and 3,000 owner-occupied. During the consultation exercise the Department gave a commitment that voting patterns would not be disclosed.

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