§ Mr. Litherlandasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his meeting with the deputation from Manchester city council; whether he advised it on the correct level of council house rent increase; and if he will publish it.
§ Mr. HeseltineI refer to the answer which I gave to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Morris) on 9 February.—[Vol. 17, c. 328.]
I discussed possible levels of rent increase which might help the council to bring its budget closer to its expenditure target. It is for the council to consider all the options, including the appropriate level of rents. There is no correct figure. It is a matter for the council to determine.