HC Deb 01 March 1989 vol 148 cc233-4W
Mr. Gerald Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current level of applications for the purchase of council housing in Scotland; what is the proportion of houses in Scotland now under owner-occupation; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

During 1988 a monthly average of over 4,100 council house purchase applications were received. Over 44 per cent. of Scottish houses are now in owner-occupation. The sustained high level of applications from public sector tenants seeking to exercise the right to buy is clear evidence of the continuing success of the Government's right-to-buy policy.

62. Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects the total of tenants to have purchased a property under the right to buy to reach 150,000.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

From information available to date, the number of local authority and new town tenants who have purchased houses under the right to buy legislation between October 1980 and December 1988 is over 108,000. Since April 1979 total sales of public sector stock to sitting tenants in Scotland are over 144,000. This figure may reach 150,000 within the next few months.