§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with local authority associations concerning the housing needs of personnel leaving the services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungAdvice to local authorities about housing for people leaving the services is given in Department of the Environment circular 54/75 "Housing for Ex-Servicemen and Ex-Service Women". Much of that guidance remains relevant, but the circular needs updating to reflect, for example, the third—1991—edition of the homelessness code of guidance, Ministry of Defence housing innitiatives announced in 1992, and the increasing role of housing associations in the provision of social housing. We will consult the local authority associations and other interested parties on the draft text of a replacement circular shortly.