§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of state for the Environment (1) what representations he has received urging the encouragement of a proliferation of smaller, more local, rural housing associations; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what representation he has received from the Association of National Parks, regarding the occupation of rural housing association homes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungThe Association of National Parks met recently to consider a report on housing in national parks and has written to me to draw a number of points to my attention, including the role of rural housing associations and the occupation of the homes they provide.
Eighteen rural housing associations are registered with the Housing Corporation, including one which registered during the past year. Despite the reduction that was necessary in the Housing Corporation's development budget for 1994–95, the corporation expects to maintain the target of 1,850 allocations for the rural programme next year. For the four years from 1989–90 over 6,000 units were approved—some 800 above target.