asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement of his policy towards the making of grants by local authorities to housing associations.

My general policy is set out in Departmental Circulars 170/74 and 52/75; but I think my hon. Friend is referring in particular to the recent television programme "Goodbye, Longfellow Road ". I discussed this with the Chairman of the GLC Housing Development Committee on Wednesday and he has undertaken to inform me quickly and fully on a number of issues which arise. I understand that the GLC had already conducted investigations of its own before this television programme appeared; that certain matters have been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions; and that the television company has agreed to a GLC request for the right of reply. We shall be better able to judge the issues when this has been done.