Written question asked by Lord Pickles (Conservative) on Thursday, 31 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 November 2002. It was answered by Tony McNulty (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 November 2002 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: 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.

Answer: 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 at 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.

Secondary information