§ Mr. Peter RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his latest estimate is of the number of applicants for public sector housing in each category. [122543]
§ Mr. SpellarAt the end of May 2003, there were 26,924 people on the waiting list. Of these 13,448 were in housing stress including 4,136 who were accepted as homeless (those whom the Housing Executive has a duty to re-house). Since the adoption of the Common Selection Scheme in November 2000, the names of those seeking accommodation in both Housing Executive and Housing Association properties appear on one list and while applicants may specify a preference they are offered the first suitable vacancy.