§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to extend the allowable lease term for the leasing of empty private sector dwellings by local authorities to a period of seven years.
§ Mr. BaldryLocal authorities are free to take out private sector leases for any period they choose. Last December, my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning announced an extension of the concession which allows local authorities to take out short-term housing leases without lessening their capacity for capital expenditure. The Department is examining the provisions which apply to arrangements for temporary accommodation, and how these are being used.