asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the light of the general increase in house prices in the last 12 months and in particular the level of increases in London and the Home Counties, he will increase the special advances limit, currently £20,000 which applies to building societies.

[pursuant to his reply, 31 October 1979, c. 528]: Yes. The Registrar of Friendly Societies will shortly lay an order before Parliament increasing the limit to £25,000. The order will take effect from the beginning of the next financial year for each society.