§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the number of homes vacant following repossession by mortgage lenders; and what steps he intends to take to ensure that they are brought back into use.
§ Mr. YeoFigures are not available in the form requested.
The latest figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders show that during 1990 only one in 200 borrowers faced repossession. Mortgage lenders have said that they will take steps to repossess only when all other options have been exhausted.
The Government share the hon. Member's concern that such property is brought into use promptly and we have encouraged lenders to consider a range of measures to bring this about.