§ 21. Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the average rent increase for housing association properties in 1988–89.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe information is not available in the form required. Increases for housing association tenancies re-registered with rent officers during the first half of 1989 were equivalent to an annual rate of 8 per cent.
§ Mr. HowarthDoes the Secretary of State accept that, far from achieving the stated objectives of the Housing Act 1988, it costs the Government more to produce housing that is less affordable?
§ Mr. PattenNo, I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's proposition. We are able to produce more houses with the same amount of money because we have attracted private investment, too. I am delighted that one consequence is that the Housing Corporation programme is increasing substantially.