Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what amount of money is outstanding from persons who were formerly on rent and rate strike.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees:It is estimated that about £l.5 million is still owed as arrears of rent by people for a variety of reasons. Similar information for rates debts cannot be provided without disproportionate effort.
Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total amount of money now owing for (a) rent, and (b) rates in each district council area.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees:Information on rent arrears is not available by district council area, but the total amount of rent owed to the Housing Executive is £3,635,667. I shall send the information on rates to the hon. Member as soon as it becomes available.
Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons are now on rent and rate strike in Northern Ireland at the latest available date; how much money they owe in (a) rent, and (b) rates; and how the figures compare with a year ago.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees:Approximately 4,200 people occupying publicly-owned housing are still withholding rent for reasons arising out of the campaign of civil disobedience, and owe about £700,000. The 233W corresponding figures at this time last year were about 11,200 people and £1.3 million, respectively.
It is estimated that about 7,500 people owing approximately £700,000 may be withholding rates for reasons connected with the campaign. A comparison with the figures a year ago is not available.