HC Deb 14 May 1987 vol 116 cc282-3W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many a) council houses and (b) council flats have been sold by each local authority in each year from 1981 to 1986.

Mr. Tracey

A table showing the available information for financial years will be placed in the Library as soon as possible.

Mr. Gerald Bowden

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what information he has as to the reasons for the delay in the purchase by Mr. A. Jamieson of his council home at 8 Spring Hill Close, Champion Hill, London SE5;

(2) what information he has as to the reasons for the delay in the purchase by Mr. and Mrs. Wellbrook of their council house at 11 Sunray Avenue, London, SE24;

(3) what information he has as to the reasons for the delay in the purchase by Mrs. H. Maher of her council home at 11 Priory Court, Cheltenham Road, London, SE15.

Mr. Tracey

I understand that the tenants mentioned are among many who have met delay in exercising the right to buy their homes from Southwark borough council. The Department is discussing with the council the reasons for the delays and its proposals for dealing with them.

Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many council houses and flats, sold since 1979, have been repossessed because the owners could not afford the mortgage repayments.

Mr. Tracey

The available information on properties taken into possession by building societies and local authorities does not distinguish former council dwellings from other housing.