HC Deb 27 July 1981 vol 9 cc372-3W
Mr. Peter Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much grant was given to each district council for recreation purposes in 1980; and if he will express each figure as a percentage of the total and also as a per capita figure related to the electorate in each area.

Mr. John Patten

[pursuant to his reply, 21 July 1981]: The information for the financial year 1980–81 is as follows:

and North Down and the Down district council area; and if he will set out the figures to show applicants' first and second preferences.

Mr. David Mitchell

[pursuant to his reply, 21 July 1981]: This is a matter for the Housing Executive, but I understand from the chairman that for each of the district council areas listed the number of first preference applications from outside the area, including transfer requests from existing NIHE tenants, is as follows:

Number
Castlereagh borough 1,492
Ards borough 678
Lisburn borough 1,323
North Down borough 1,100
Down district 253

Details of second preference applications are not readily available and could only be compiled at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Peter Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the demand for public housing from applicants outside East Belfast for accommodation in that area; what are the comparative figures for North Belfast, South Belfast and West Belfast; and if he will set out the figures to show applicants' first and second preferences.

Mr. David Mitchell

[pursuant to his reply, 21 July 1981]: This is a matter for the Housing Executive, but I understand from the chairman that in each of the Belfast districts of the Housing Executive the number of first preference applications from outside the district, including transfer requests from existing executive tenants, is as follows:

Number
Belfast 1 949
Belfast 2 572
Belfast 3 143
Belfast 4 316
Belfast 5 272
Belfast 6 464
Belfast 7 539

In broad terms, East Belfast comprises district 2, North Belfast districts 4 and 6, South Belfast district 7 and West Belfast districts 1, 3 and 5.

Details of second preference applications are not readily available, and could only be compiled at disproportionate cost.

It is generally accepted that waiting lists do not accurately reflect housing need.