§ Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about Northern Ireland Housing Executive rent arrears.
§ Mr. David MitchellRent arrears are a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but I understand from the chairman that the total rent arrears, including rates, but excluding district heating arrears, was £19.7 million at 31 December 1982. The Housing Executive continues to make strenuous efforts to recover these arrears by voluntary agreements, allocation of social security benefits attachments of earnings and recovery through court action. The executive regularly reviews the methods used to prevent and to recover rent arrears.