asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to encourage local authorities to grant 100 per cent. mortgages to first-time home buyers, especially newly married couples.

On the latest information nearly 90 per cent. of all local authority lending for house purchase goes to first-time buyers, and over 30 per cent. is by way of 100 per cent. mortgages. The option mortgage scheme can also help local authorities to grant more 100 per cent. mortgages. The general problems faced by young first-time house buyers are being considered in the context of the Housing Finance Review.