§ Lord Mottistoneasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they expect to publish the consultation paper setting out their proposals for possible changes to the arrangements for large-scale voluntary transfers.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Strathclyde)My honourable friend the Minister for Housing and Planning is today issuing the consultation paper and I have arranged for copies to be placed in the House Library. The paper contains, among other things, proposals to limit the number of properties transferred in a single batch and for redressing the financial imbalance between central and local government which has arisen in the past as a result of the housing benefit costs to the Exchequer of transfers.48WA These proposals will facilitate a continuing programme of transfers consistent with our manifesto commitment.
My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Wales will also be issuing a consultation paper shortly.