HC Deb 18 January 1993 vol 217 c100W
24. Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what consideration he has given to the introduction of a universal housing benefit scheme covering both rent and mortgage interest payments; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Burt

We have considered carefully the proposals that have been made for such a scheme. We have yet to be convinced that they would represent good value for the taxpayer, given the substantial extra cost.