§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many council houses were empty for more than a year (a) nationally, (b) in the east midlands and (c) in Leicester in each of the past seven years, giving the same areas, the total numbers of council housing stock and the relevant percentages; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TraceyThe figures are derived from local authorities' annual housing investment programme returns.
between his Department and an officer of Portsmouth city council concerning the Portsdown Park housing estate on 3 March;
(2) if he will make available copies of all the correspondence and details of any other contacts between his Department and Portsmouth city council with regard to the city's plan to refurbish the Portsdown Park estate which took place between the original submission of the Barratt's bid and the final decision; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TraceyI shall answer these questions shortly.