HC Deb 26 March 1979 vol 965 cc68-9W
Mr. Arthur Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether figures have been produced by his Department giving financial exemplification of the proposed housing subsidy system for the next decade under different assumed rates of inflation in earnings, prices and different assumed rates of borrowing, showing the effects on the Exchequer and different categories of authority at real and outturn prices varied between rates of subsidy at 80 per cent. and 100 per cent., with and without the application of the possible subsidy floor and showing the number of authorities to which the no profit rule will apply at different times during the decade; whether he will publish such exemplifications together with an explanatory note in the Official Report; and whether a further consultation paper or papers on the proposed housing subsidy system will be produced before the Bill is published.

Mr. Shore

The Department produced figures last summer exemplifying the possible effects of the proposed new subsidy along the lines described by my hon. Friend. They were in addition to six substantial consultation documents which set out the proposed structure and operation of the proposed arrangements. The figures produced were provided to the local authority associations. They are now out-dated, and have in any event been overtaken by my decisions incorporated in the Housing Bill, published on 22 March, to propose a 100 per cent. rate of subsidy, and no subsidy floor. Fresh figures, however, are in preparation, and I intend to make these available as soon as they are ready.