§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many shorthold tenure lets have been granted in the Greater London area; how many complaints he has received about any of the new lettings under shorthold; and whether he has evidence of increased homelessness or diminished security of tenure for private sector tenants.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergFor the number of shorthold lettings identified in Greater London up to 24 April I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer my righthon. Friend gave to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Ardwick (Mr. Kaufman) on 4 June—[Vol. 5, c. 411–12]. I am not aware of any complaints that the Department has received to date from tenants in respect of existing shorthold lettings. The relationship of shorthold to homelessness is no different from any other of the mandatory possession cases that already exist under the Rent Act, and in so far as shorthold adds to the availability of rented accommodation it will provide a possible source of accommodation for the homeless.