HC Deb 12 December 1980 vol 995 c504W
Mr. Alton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many housing co-operative dwellings were commenced in 1980 as compared with 1979; and what percentage difference this represents.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Separate figures for cooperative housing starts are not available.

Mr. Alton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on housing co-operatives and their future for 1981.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Projects proposed by par-value housing co-operatives are treated on precisely the same basis as proposals by other housing associations.

Mr. Alton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has given to housing cooperatives on cutting expenditure without affecting building starts.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Economics of individual projects are best discussed by the housing association with the Housing Corporation or the local authority providing the funds.

Mr. Alton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will assure members of housing cooperatives whose projects have started that the finance will be made available for completion.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

It is for the Housing Corporation or local authority concerned to decide in what circumstances finance can be made available for completing housing association projects.