HC Deb 26 January 1990 vol 165 cc924-5W
Mr. French

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made on the rents into mortgages scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

On 19 January, Scottish Homes, the body responsible for the administration of the rents to mortgages scheme, had received over 450 inquiries from tenants interested in purchasing their homes under the scheme. Twenty-eight firm applications have already resulted from these inquiries.

Since the launch of the scheme on 30 October last year there has been continued interest shown by tenants of both Scottish Homes and the new town development corporations. I am satisfied that good progress is being made towards encouraging owner-occupation among those eligible tenants who have hitherto been unable to consider purchase of their homes.