HC Deb 29 November 1983 vol 49 cc462-3W
Mr. Weetch

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the current contribution by his Department towards funding the interest payments on mortgages on behalf of those who have had, temporarily, to default on full mortgage repayments; and what has been the cost in the previous five financial years;

(2) how many people currently defaulting on full mortgage repayments are being helped by his Department with interest payments; and what are the corresponding numbers for each of the last five years.

Dr. Boyson

Building societies are normally prepared to accept payment of interest only where the mortgagee is receiving supplementary benefit. Information on the number of claimants who have been unable to make such an arrangement is not available.

Mr. Weetch

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average cost per person being assisted by social security payments in relation to the interest element on mortgage payments arising from mortgage default.

Dr. Boyson

I regret that the information requested is not available.