§ Mr. Frank R. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress he has made with the arrangements for the discussions between building societies and local authorities on a regional basis which he announced on 9th June.
§ Mr. FreesonMy Department's regional offices have put in hand the urgent collection of information about those local authority lending schemes where building society participation could be most beneficial. Each of the regional discussions to which the hon. Member refers will be set up as soon as this essential information is obtained. My objective will be to ensure that building society help is directed where it is most needed. Meanwhile, I would request local authorities not to approach building societies on an individual basis.