§ Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on the level of the current housing shortage.
§ Mr. TraceyThere is no overall shortage of housing. We regularly receive representations about housing policy from a large number of bodies, some of which relate to shortages of housing, particularly for rent, in high pressure areas such as parts of London and the south-east. We have taken initiatives which will enable the private sector to play an increasing role in remedying such shortages.