§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans has the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for making available loans at reasonable interest rates to potential house purchasers, particularly newly married couples; what financial support will be given by the Government; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ConcannonI am engaged in discussions with the Building Societies Association about the volume of lending for house purchase in Northern Ireland, with particular reference to the needs of first-time purchasers and to lending on older houses. Apart from lending by building societies the Government have already made available £4 million to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive in 1975–76 for lending to persons who wish to purchase houses within certain categories. I am at present reviewing these categories.