§ 10. Mr. Beggsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will reconsider the present financial limits which apply to co-ownership housing schemes with a view to increasing funds available for the first home purchase under the scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chris PattenProposals have been made for increases in the purchase price and income limits, but I wish to review the scheme as a whole rather than consider these in isolation. The Government, however, remain fully committed to the co-ownership scheme in Northern Ireland and I am pleased to say that the high level of applications is being maintained.
§ Mr. BeggsI thank the hon. Gentleman for that response. Will he consider how the co-ownership scheme could be applied to self-help schemes in Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. PattenI know how much interest the hon. Gentleman has taken in this subject and how much he has lobbied us about it. I can assure him that that proposal will be considered by the review, which I hope will have reported by the end of the summer.