HC Deb 06 November 2002 vol 392 cc426-7W
Mr. Pickles

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will publish the evidence on which he based his statement that the right-to-buy scheme is being abused: and if he will make a statement. [79601]

Mr. McNulty

Anecdotal evidence from various sources, including local authorities and media advertisements, strongly suggested that the right to buy rules were being exploited in some areas. Researchers al Heriot-Watt University have been commissioned to investigate the scale, nature and impact of such exploitation. The results are expected by the end of this year, and will be published thereafter. The difficulties experienced on the Ocean Estate in Stepney, East London, are well documented.