asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities have a policy of allocating a proportion of their council house stock for retiring agricultural workers; which councils in Leicestershire operate such a scheme; and if he will issue a circular recommending such a policy to be operated in appropriate areas.

The allocation of council housing is a matter for local authorities and I do not hold information on the individual practices operated. My right hon. Friend has no plans to issue a circular of the kind suggested by the hon. Member, but if he has any evidence of hardship I should be glad to study it.