§ Mr. BrazierTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to publish the consultation paper setting out his proposals for possible changes to the arrangements for large-scale voluntary transfers.
§ Sir George YoungI am issuing the consultation today and I have arranged for copies to be placed in the House Library. The paper contains, among other things, proposals to limit the number of properties transferred in 209W a single batch and for redressing the financial imbalance between central and local government which has arisen in the past as a result of the housing benefit costs to the Exchequer of transfers. These proposals will facilitate a continuing programme of transfers consistent with our manifesto commitment.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales will also be issuing a consultation paper shortly.