asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he has had with local authorities in London who are considering whether or not to allow council tenants to sublet; and if he will make a statement.

The conditions of tenancy which housing authorities adopt, such as those relating to sub-letting, are matters for the authorities to decide. There have been no special consultations between my Department and local authorities in London on this subject, but advice given by my Department to local authorities generally has stressed the advantages which may be gained from sub-letting in areas of under-occupation. In particular we have pointed out the value to single people and small families of encouraging lodgers in under-used council properties.