§ Mr. Channonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the Southend Borough Council about its housing advances scheme; if he will grant its request to make an extended allocation to cover commitments as defined in Circular 6565 and also for an additional allocation on account of advances to staff and advances to persons who show that they cannot get assistance from a building society; and if he will also permit the council to operate a guarantee scheme in accordance with Section 45 of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act 1958.
§ Mr. FreesonMy Department will be informing the Southend Borough Coun-18W cil that I am prepared to sanction further borrowing to cover sums unavoidably committed in excess of the limit set by Circular 64/75. The question of an additional allocation will need to be considered in the light of the situation nationally. I can give no assurance about the operation of a guarantee scheme until details of the proposals have been examined, and my Department is in touch with the council on this matter.