asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he has taken to ensure that accommodation is provided for the elderly and disadvantaged in new towns.
My right hon. Friend has recently issued guidance asking all development corporations to review their tenancy allocation policies, and stressing the need for them to make adequate provision for the elderly, the physically or mentally handicapped, and the seriously disadvantaged. Discussions will also be held with each corporation to establish, within the overall allocation of tenancies which they expect to be able to make available during the next year, the contribution which the new town can make to housing people in these categories. Copies of the Departmental circulars which bear upon this matter (NT Circulars Nos. 445, 460 and 466) have been placed in the Library.