HC Deb 26 October 1989 vol 158 cc550-1W
Mr. French

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received in favour of introducing a rents into mortgages scheme in England similar to those announced for Scotland and Wales.

Mr. Chope

My hon. Friend and 12 members of the public have made such representations.

Mr. French

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will conduct a survey into the potential popularity of a rents into mortgages scheme in England.

Mr. Chope

The Department commissions research from time to time into the factors which influence tenants' decisions on buying their homes, and will study the outcome of the experimental schemes in Scotland and Wales.

Mr. French

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will visit the Coney Hill and Matson estates in Gloucester to discuss a rents into mortgages scheme with tenants.

Mr. Chope

I have no plans to do so.

Mr. French

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in which foreign countries a rents into mortgages scheme(a) is operating or (b) has operated.

Mr. Chope

I am not aware of any such schemes.