To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) how many sites on the register of surplus public sector land are classed as suitable for new homes to be built on; and what estimate has been made of the number of new homes which could be built on such sites; (300445)

The Homes and Communities Agency estimate that 143 sites on the register of surplus public sector land may be suitable for housing development. These sites have the potential to build more than 18,000 homes. This estimate is included in the general figure given for housing on surplus public sector land provided by my right hon. Friend the Member for Derby South (Margaret Beckett) on 19 May 2009, Official Report, columns 1346-47W. Individual Departments and agencies are responsible for deciding when to place or remove site details on the register depending on their operational need.

Currently there are 692 sites on the register. Of those 692 sites (a) 573 sites have been on the register for longer than six months and (b) 540 for longer than 12 months.