§ Mr. SoleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many assured and assured shorthold tenancies have been created under the Housing Act 1988 in England and Wales, by region, and excluding council leases.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThis information is not yet available. We shall, as soon as practicable, be undertaking a detailed evaluation of the impact of deregulation which will include an assessment of the number of tenancies created. However, initial impressions are very encouraging. It is estimated that about £480 million has so far been298W invested in business expansion scheme companies letting on assured tenancies, which will provide some 8,000 additional homes to let in Great Britain.