§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether
626Wfarm in each year since 1971 is as follows:
he will make a statement about the development of voluntary housing associations.
§ Mr. ConcannonMy right hon. Friend would like to see the voluntary housing movement in Northern Ireland expand to supplement the work of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, particularly in the provision of homes for special groups, such as the elderly and the handicapped, and in the purchase and rehabilitation of older property. It is proposed, therefore, in forthcoming legislation to introduce a new system of financial assistance to housing associations. We have already indicated our willingness to support the establishment, in conjunction with the National Federation of Housing Associations, of a body which could assist the development of housing associations in Northern Ireland and to consider proposals by housing associations for rehabilitating older property in the period before new legislation can be enacted.