§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what mortgage repossession schemes he has considered with mortgage lenders since his statement of 19 December; how many families for each scheme are expected to be526W housed; how many families have already been housed; what has been the total cost; and if he will give the proportion met from public funds.
§ Mr. Maples[holding answer 11 February 1992]: Lenders have pledged funding for mortgage rescue schemes which is expected by the Council of Mortgage Lenders to amount to £1 billion if the need is there. Detailed schemes have already been announced by some lenders and announcements from others are expected shortly. It is too early to provide estimates of the number of borrowers in difficulties who are being helped in these schemes or the consequential effect on housing benefit expenditure.