§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a Statement on existing powers available to local authorities to enable low-cost starter homes to be constructed in their area; and whether he has any plans to provide local authorities with further powers to enable such properties to be constructed.
§ Mr. GristWithin their general housing powers local authorities have adequate powers to carry out a wide range of low-cost home ownership schemes. We have no plans to extend these powers, but Welsh Office officials are to have discussions with local authorities and others during the forthcoming months about options for the provision of such accommodation.