asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many registered housing associations there are in England which receive revenue deficit grants; and what is his estimate of the cost of these in a full year.

I refer the hon. Member to the replies given to my hon. Friend the Member for Barking (Miss Richardson) on 4th February—[Vol. 925, c. 460–7.] To date, 208 associations in England have received revenue deficit grant and/or management grant. In 1976–77 total payments were £7·9 million.