§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the basis of his statement in reply to a Question on 5th May 1976—[Official Report, c. 634.]—from the hon. Member for Stockport, North (Mr. Bennett) that there is likely to be a rapid increase in the next four years in the number of housing associations organised on a co-operative basis.
§ Mr. FreesonI have made it clear in circulars and speeches that housing associations are expected to explore ways in which various forms of co-operative management and ownership can be introduced. There are already signs that this is happening, in the shape both of new associations established from the outset on a co-operative basis, such as the Fair-hazel and Ladybur co-operatives in North London, and also of existing housing associations such as North British which are actively seeking ways of involving their tenants in co-operative management. Progress will be stimulated by the recent setting up at my request, within the Housing Corporation, of a Co-operative Housing Agency under the directorship of Mr. John Hands to provide guidance and advice for housing co-operatives.