§ Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to the letter of 28 November from the Minister with responsibility for education, housing and fisheries to the hon. Member for Falkirk, West, if he will make a statement on(a) the independent valuation of the Scottish Homes housing stock in each housing estate in the Falkirk council area and (b) the funding and staffing assistance which the Paragon Housing Association receives from Scottish Homes. [8266]
§ Mr. Raymond S. Robertson[holding answer 9 December 1996]: In line with guidance given by the Secretary of State, Scottish Homes obtains an independent valuation of the houses in any ballot area where it proposes to transfer stock to an alternative landlord. This valuation is subsequently used as a benchmark against which final decisions are taken. This arrangement is consistent with a recommendation made by the National Audit Office.
I understand that, in accordance with its procedures for providing seedcorn funding and staffing assistance to new and emerging housing associations, Scottish Homes has provided Paragon housing association with £39,000 and the assistance of one member of staff seconded to the association for two days a week.