§ Baroness Fisher of Rednalasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will make a statement on the progress made in setting up housing action trusts.
The Earl of CaithnessFollowing the announcement by the Secretary of State for the Environment on 16th March, consultants were appointed to discuss with residents and other local interests our proposals for housing action trusts in Lambeth, Southwark, Leeds and Sunderland. Tenants will have time to consider the ideas which emerge from the consultations before they vote on a trust in a ballot. A further study on the suitability of a trust in Sandwell is still under way. The Secretary of State for the Environment has also said that we are prepared to consider sympathetically any proposal which other councils or tenants wish to bring forward for a trust in their area.