§ Mr. Secretary Rippon, supported by Secretary Sir Keith Joseph, Mr. Secretary Campbell, Mr. Secretary Peter Thomas, Mr. Paul Channon, Mr. Tom Boardman, and Mr. Attorney-General presented a Bill to extend the functions of the Housing Corporation and provide for the registration of, and the giving of financial assistance to, certain housing associations ; to make provision for housing action areas and to make further provision in relation to general improvement areas ; to provide for the making of grants towards the improvement, repair and provision of housing accommodation and for the compulsory improvement of such accommodation ; to make provision concerning unoccupied office premises ; to make further provision in relation to the development of land ; to amend the law relating to expenditure by local authorities and other bodies in connection with the provision and improvement of housing accommodation and of hostels ; to raise the rateable value limits under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 ; to amend the Housing Finance Act 1972 ; to amend the law relating to the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants ; and for purposes connected therewith: And the same was read the First time ; and ordered to be read a Second time tomorrow and to be printed. [Bill 73.]