§ 39. Mr. Fallonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many council houses were available for letting but vacant on 1 April; and what change this represents from April 1986.
§ Mrs. RoeThe latest estimates, based on figures reported by English local authorities in their annual housing investment programme returns, is 25,000 dwellings vacant and available for letting at 1 April 1987, a reduction of 5,000 (16 per cent.) compared with April 1986.
§ 48. Dr. Twinnasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has for increasing choice in housing provision for those living in council-owned accommodation.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy right hon. Friend proposes a "tenants' choice" scheme, allowing most secure tenants of local housing authorities to invite a new landlord of their choice to apply to the council to buy, with their consent, the freehold of their home.