Low-cost Rural Housing

HC Deb 16 January 1990 vol 165 c158W

Mr. Boswel

To ask the Prime Minister what recent representations she has received concerning low-cost rural housing.

The Prime Minister

I receive such representations from time to time from hon. Members, interest groups, and members of the public. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is responsible for housing issues in England.

We have announced a significant increase in resources available to the Housing Corporation over the next three years. Total capital expenditure is planned to rise to £1,736 million by 1992–93, more than double the provision in 1989–90. As a result we expect the number of new homes provided by associations in 1992–93 to be over twice the 1988–89 output.

We have specifically enabled the Housing Corporation to establish a special programme for smaller villages which will rise to 1,500 new rented houses a year by 1992–93.