§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of the difficulties faced as a result of the freeze on rents by housing associations whose rents have never included any profit element, whether he will take action to ensure that adequate funds are made available to enable housing associations to meet their financial commitments.
§ Mr. FreesonI am willing to consider what action might be possible if there is18W evidence that the rents standstill is causing serious financial difficulties for housing associations.
§ Mr. Tylerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, for the removal of doubt, he will make clear that there is exemption from the present rent standstill for that element of the rent which is directly and solely attributable to rate increases.
§ Mr. FreesonThe standstill orders on rents do not apply to any sum attributable to rates in an inclusive rent.