§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider introducing legislation to amend the Tenants Rights, etc. (Scotland) Act 1980 to provide that tenants of public sector housing in Scotland should have legal rights to be consulted and receive information about housing management policies and practices similar to those already enjoyed by tenants in England and Wales under the Housing Act 1980.
§ Mr. AncramMy right hon. Friend has no plans to introduce such legislation at present. We are, however, concerned to promote tenant participation in Scotland in other ways, including the provision of financial assistance to the tenant participation advisory service, which aims to foster the development of suitable local initiatives.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many public sector landlords have failed to issue leases to their tenants as required under the Tenants Rights, etc. (Scotland) Act 1980; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramPrecise information is not available on the number of public sector landlords who have failed to issue leases to their tenants as required by section 16 of the Tenants Rights, etc. (Scotland) Act 1980. Returns submitted to my Department, however, suggest that only a minority of tenants have still not received a written lease from their landlord. I have no reason to believe that public authorities are not making every effort to comply with their statutory obligations in this matter.