§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is his current policy towards "fair rent" co-operatives; what changes have been made in policy during the past year; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is his present policy towards par value cooperatives; what changes have been made in policy since May 1979; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyI assume that the distinction the right hon. Gentleman is making in referring to "par-value" and "fair-rent" co-operatives is between fully-mutual and non-fully-mutual co-operatives. The only substantive change brought about by the Housing Act 1980, was to extend elegibility to rent allowances to tenants of fully-mutual cooperatives. In considering projects for approval neither the Housing Corporation nor the Department makes a distinction between co-operative schemes (whether or not fully-mutual) and those put forward by any other form of housing association.