HC Deb 16 February 1994 vol 237 cc811-2W
26. Mr. Skinner

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authority dwellings have been built in the last year, to the latest possible date; and what were the comparable figures for 1978.

Sir George Young

Provisional figures show that in England in 1993 there were 1,200 housebuilding completions for local authorities. The comparative figure in 1978 was 83,700.

Housing associations are now the main providers of new social housing. 57,600 units of new provision made available with Government help are forecast for 1993–94, compared with 23,800 in 1978–79. Local authorities also sponsor housing associations, and so far in 1993–94 4,400 units of new provision have been made available in this way.

The number of new local authority and housing association lettings in 192–93 was, at 321,000, almost the same as in 1978–79, when there were an estimated 323,000.

35. Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how his proposals in the consultation document "Access to Local Authority and Housing Association Tenancies" will help local authorities carry out their duties under the Children Act 1989.

Mr. Gummer

As the consultation paper makes clear, providing suitable accommodation for families will remain a priority for housing authorities.

36. Mr. Fatchett

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many organisations have been invited to respond to his Department's consultation paper, "Access to Local Authority and Housing Association Tenancies".

Mr. Gummer

I refer the hon. Member to the answer that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Housing, Construction and Inner Cities gave to the hon. Member for Leeds, West (Mr. Battle) on 9 February at column299.