§ Mr. OttawayTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on Newport County Borough's plans to demolish its prefabricated housing stock and its impact on housing funding for Newport. [82423]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesThe council's stock of pre-fabricated bungalows is in very poor structural condition and the authority has engaged in intensive consultation with residents regarding the future of these properties. Any resources it allocates towards their replacement or repair will depend on its local priorities as set out in its Housing Strategy and Operational Plan. The funding of any major redevelopment programme will be a matter for the National Assembly for Wales. I have, however, been able to allocate additional credit approval of £550,000 to support the development of the council's proposals in 1999–2000.
Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.