§ Mr. Molyneauxasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has considered proposals from the Northern Ireland Housing Exceutive for modification of its housing selection scheme; and whether that scheme as modified will both ensure the equitable allocation of public authority housing and also encourage religious and political integration in housing estates.
§ Mr. ConcannonI have approved in principle proposals made by the Housing Executive to modify its housing selection scheme. These proposals were made by the Executive after a review committee had considered the existing scheme and comments made on its operation by a large number of interested parties. The basis of housing allocation will continue to be in accordance with an objective system of classification and pointing. Due430W regard will continue to be paid to the wishes of applicants in respect of the areas in which they want to live. It is not, however, a function of the scheme to aim at the achievement or the preservation of any particular religious or political balance in a particular area or estate.