HC Deb 18 March 1991 vol 188 cc32-3W
20. Mr. Livsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the rural housing situation in Wales.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

On 20 February my right hon. Friend announced that £3 million would be available in 1991–92 to assist in meeting the special needs of rural housing authorities. Additionally, Housing for Wales expects to spend almost £32 million providing 900 new units in rural areas. All this is in addition to the substantial amounts available for repair and maintenance of stock in the public and private sectors.

22. Mr. Anderson

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what policy initiatives he proposes to alleviate the Welsh housing crisis.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

Housing in Wales will continue to benefit from the vigorous measures that we have applied consistently and successfully to increase home ownership in the Principality; to improve stock condition; to enhance partnership between the public and private sectors; to upgrade local authority management in the interests of tenants; and to increase the provision of social housing by housing associations. With these initiatives in place I do not accept the premise of the hon. Gentleman's question.