§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from local authorities in relation to the increased demand for local authority housing tenancies from ex-military personnel following the implementation of the Government's "Options for Change" and similar policies.
§ Sir George YoungMy Department has received no specific representations from local authorities on the matter.
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§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what additional expenditure has been made available to local authorities by the Government to provide for additional demand created by reductions in the defence establishment;
(2) what measures he has taken to assist local authorities with increased demand for their housing stock as a result of reductions in the defence establishment.
§ Sir George YoungResources for housing capital expenditure by authorities are made available by the Government each year in the form of housing investment programme allocations. HIP allocations in the current financial year total over £1.5 billion. It is for each housing authority to assess and prioritise the housing needs of its area, and to use its resources accordingly.