§ Mr. John GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures he proposes to ensure that local planning authorities encourage an adequate supply of low-cost housing in rural areas.
§ Mr. ChopeMy right hon. Friend's reply of 3 February to the hon. Member for Daventry (Mr. Boswell) explained the circumstances in which planning authorities may exceptionally wish to release sites not allocated for development in order to secure the provision of low cost housing in rural areas. That statement made clear that the case for releasing additional land for this purpose will be essentially a matter for local judgment. We have also announced a four-fold expansion in the Housing Corporation's funding programme for rural housing association schemes; and tax changes announced in the Budget have removed uncertainties about the position of landowners who wish to make land available for such schemes. Taken together, these changes will, I believe, provide a real stimulus to the supply of low cost housing in rural areas.