§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total sum allowed for local462W authority credit approvals for housing investment in 1996–97; what were the figures in current prices for each of the preceding three years; and if he will make a statement on his Department's current assessment of future needs. [17290]
§ Mr. CurryThe sum allowed for local authority credit approvals for housing in 1996–97 in England is £789 million. The figures for the preceding three years at current prices are:
- 1995–96: £869 million
- 1994–95: £893 million
- 1993–94: £1,014 million
The Department takes its figures for the need for repairs to local authority housing from the English house condition survey. The 1996 survey will give us an up-to-date picture of the need for investment in the local authority stock. We expect to publish results later this year.