§ Mr. McElhoneasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has now formulated his proposals for the first stage of the reform of the Housing (Financial Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1972.
§ Mr. William RossI shall be consulting the local authority associations this month on the basis of proposals contained in a consultation document of which copies have been placed in the Vote Office. My main proposals are to extend the public sector rents standstill to 15th May 1975 in Scotland; to abolish thereafter mandatory rent increases under the 1972 Act; to restore to local authorities their freedom to fix rents for their houses; and to make certain adjustments to the subsidy system. I shall be bringing forward legislative proposals as soon as possible after the recess.