§ Mr. ButlerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will approve the transfer of the new town housing at Runcorn to the housing associations known collectively as Runhag.
§ Mr. ChopeThe Commission for the New Towns has asked for my approval to transfer about 7,000 dwellings at Runcorn to the five housing associations in Runhag. I have considered the views of tenants expressed in the recent ballot and the terms and conditions of the proposed transfer. I am satisfied that the terms are reasonable and that tenants want the relevant member of Runhag to be their new landlord. I have therefore approved the transfer. I understand that the transfer will take place today.
I am delighted that the new town tenants have voted in favour of transferring to the housing associations. I know that this vote was the culmination of over two years hard effort by Runhag and the New Town Residents Federation to achieve transfer on the best terms possible for existing tenants. I am very grateful for their perseverence and commitment.