§ Tim Loughton:To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what grade of teachers will be eligible for equity loans under the recently announced scheme for housing; what terms will apply to the equity loans scheme for teachers; what estimate he has made of the number of teachers who will benefit from the equity loans scheme; and what implications this has for teacher participation in the Starter Homes Initiative. [141054]
§ Keith Hill:Full details of the operation of the housing scheme for key workers will be announced by the beginning of March. These will include; the criteria used to determine eligibility for teachers; and the terms and 46W conditions to be applied to equity loans. The number of teachers and other key worker groups helped and the level of assistance will depend, in part, on the level of employer contributions and the personal circumstances of individuals. Funding continues to be available for teachers through the Starter Home Initiative, which will fund purchases, which can be exchanged up to 31 March 2004, the planned end date.