Mr. Michael McNair-Wlisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons are still on rent or rates strike in the Province.
§ Mr. Concannon:Approximately 4,300 people occupying publicly owned housing are still withholding rent. This figure includes about 2,500 people from whose social security benefits deductions are being made. The arrangements for deduction are such that of the 2,500 people some 1,650, though they are not paying their rent in the ordinary way, are in fact making current payment in full and in the case of those still in arrears are paying off the arrears. It is estimated that about 7,500 persons may be withholding rates in support of the campaign.