asked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total sum of money which he has so far approved for loan sanction for the purchase of secondhand and new dwellings, respectively, by local authorities under Circular 111/74; and what is the total number of dwellings in each case.

Returns from authorities indicate a total committed expenditure of 1 £306,512 under the general consent contained in Circular 111/74 for specified categories. I have approved the issue of loan sanction in the total sums of £252,382 for the acquisition of secondhand dwellings falling outside the categories and of £7,321,025 for new dwellings. The number of dwellings involved is 91, 20 and 806, respectively.