asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will advise Birmingham city council to waive the pre-emption clause in the existing house purchase contract between it and Mr. Panelli of 201 Waterloo Avenue, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham.

Local authorities have been advised that it is my Department's view that, where pre-emption conditions exist, it is open to them to release the right to pre-emption by virtue of section 186 of the Law of Property Act 1925, if they and the purchaser agree.