§ Ms. AbbottTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action the Housing Corporation takes to ensure that housing associations pursue equal opportunities policies in relation to employment, housing allocation and awarding contracts to architects and contractors.
§ Mr. YeoThe Housing Corporation has a specific statutory duty under section 71 of the Race Relations Act 1976, as amended, to have regard, in the exercise of all its functions, to the need to eliminate unlawful racial discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial groups. I have asked the Housing Corporation to write to the hon. Member with information about the action it pursues both in this field and in other areas of equal opportunities policy.
§ Ms. AbbottTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the policy of the housing corporations towards black housing associations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YeoThe Housing Corporation has recently issued a consultative document, reviewing its policy towards black and minority ethnic housing associations. I have asked the Housing Corporation to write to the hon. Member setting out the principles of its past and future policy.