§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to promote affordable housing in rural areas.
§ Mr. BaldryWe have taken a variety of measures since 1988 to boost supply of low-cost housing in rural areas. We have substantially increased public resources through the Housing Corporation for new investment by housing associations, with a target for new social housing under their special rural programme of 2,400 in 1992–93. In 1991–92 the corporation approved 2,355 units against a target of 1,500, more than making up for the previous year's shortfall. We have also made £30 million available this year for rural local authorities, to provide over 1,000 new social housing units. Amended planning guidance permits development of low-cost housing for local needs on small sites not otherwise designated for housing.