§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the latest expectation of the likely take-up of the new legislative provision for shorthold tenancies; and whether he will seek to withdraw or restrict this in the light of representations received from local authorities and others.
§ Mr. StanleyThe shorthold provisions in the Housing Act come into operation today. It is not possible to predict how many shorthold lettings there will be. I have no intention of withdrawing the shorthold provisions as this would deny short-term rented accommodation to those in need of it.