§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will allow the Inverclyde district council to take over the ownership and management of those houses in the Inverclyde district which, at the moment, are owned by Scottish Homes if the tenants indicate, by way of an independently controlled ballot, that it is their wish to become tenants of the council; and if he will make a statement. [4830]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonExisting arrangements do not preclude local authorities from bidding for Scottish Homes stock. However, this would be allowed only in exceptional circumstances which do not compromise the objective of promoting diversity of choice in rented housing stock.
My right hon. Friend announced on 30 November that he will consider this policy further in response to representations from the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. His decision will be announced in due course.