§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on progress in reviving the private rented sector since the passage of the Housing Act 1988.
§ Mr. YeoIt is too early to assess the overall impact of the Act on private renting. Research now in progress will provide information in the course of 1991. There are, however, clear signs of increased activity in the residential lettings market. In particular, it is estimated that business expansion scheme companies have so far raised £580 million, which will provide over 10,000 new homes to rent.