(1)  If, after a council has made reasonable attempts to sell land, it appears that there are no reasonable prospects of selling the land within a reasonable time, the council may apply to the Minister for an order under this section.

(2)  On the receipt of an application by a council, the Minister, after consultation with the council and being satisfied that it is appropriate to do so, may by notice in writing order that the land be transferred to the council.

(3)  An order made under subsection (2) operates as a memorandum of transfer.

(4)  If an order is made under this section –

(a) the land to which the order relates is freed of any charge against the land that exists in favour of the council; and

(b) any outstanding liability to the council in respect of the land is discharged.