§ 6. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government which local authorities and Government-aided housing associations are now sponsoring save-as-you-rent schemes for their tenants; and whether he will consult local authority and building society associations about this way of encouraging home ownership.
§ Mr. Denis HowellWe are already examining the possibility of save-as-you-rent schemes as a way to help average wage-earners to become owner-occupiers. So far as I am aware, only the London Borough of Newham and the Family Housing Association sponsor such schemes for their tenants; but I will gladly consider any information my hon. Friend will send me on this.
§ Mr. LiptonIs my hon. Friend aware that his answer affords one further proof, if proof were needed, that the Labour 176 Government do more for owner-occupiers than any Tory Government have ever done? Would he note that the recent adoption of the save-as-you-rent scheme by the hon. Member for Worcester (Mr. Peter Walker), whose absence today we regret, is a further example of blinding revelation of unoriginal thought on the Tory benches?
§ Mr. HowellThe hon. Member for Worcester (Mr. Peter Walker) has apologised to us for his absence: he is ill, and I am sure that we all regret that. Our action in trying in many ways to stimulate home ownership for those who can afford it is well-known. It is true that there is nothing original about this proposition.