§ 40. Mr. Laneasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made, in the development of his housing policies so far, of the effect of capital gains tax legislation on the supply of rented accommodation.
§ Mr. ArmstrongNo specific assessment has yet been made, but the question is being considered within my Department as part of the housing finance review. I understand that the hon. Member has discussed the position with my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Treasury, who has undertaken to look into the matter.
§ 61. Mr. Huntasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to encourage the greater supply of privately rented accommodation in the Greater London area.
§ Mr. FreesonThe decline of the privately rented sector—in its present form—over the last 50 years is unlikely to be reversed, either in Greater London or elsewhere. A review of the Rent Acts is being started within the main Housing Finance Review and will follow on from it.