Written question asked by Derek Conway (Conservative) on Wednesday, 8 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 September 2004. It was answered by Phil Hope (Labour) on Thursday, 16 September 2004 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 investigate the process by which Bexley Council proposes to dispose of the North Cray school site in Sidcup to London and Quadrant.

Answer: Derek Conway: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will investigate the process by which Bexley council proposes to dispose of the North Cray school site in Sidcup to London and Quadrant. [188590] Phil Hope: Disposal of land by local authorities is governed by section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972. Authorities have discretion to dispose of land in any manner they wish. The First Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister's only power is to grant or withhold consent where authorities wish to dispose of land at less than the best consideration reasonably obtainable and the proposed disposal falls outside the scope of the General Disposal Consent in ODPM Circular 06/2003. There are no statutory powers available to launch an investigation into the disposal process used in any specific case. If an individual feels the correct procedures have not been followed the best course of action would be to approach the Local Government Ombudsman.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 424 c1651W;424 c1649W; 188590
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Bexley Land Property transfer Property development Schools Social rented housing L&Q Group North Cray School
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk