§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that the proposals he is putting forward to building societies will restrict the funds which they have at the moment available for financing owner-occupied housing in Northern Ireland; and if he will give an assurance that the final agreement reached with the societies will leave them with adequate funds for this purpose.
§ Mr. CrossmanI am aware that the building societies which operate in Great Britain are also active in Northern Ireland. The discussions I have in hand with the Building Societies Association and the building industry are designed to enable the industry to plan a high level of house production for owner occupation. I do not accept that they are in any way prejudicial to the funds available for house purchase advances in Northern Ireland.