asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the evidence submitted to him by the hon. Member for West Bromwich, West from building societies and lending institutions, stating their policy in refusing loan facilities on Smith constructed properties, he will now include those properties in section 1 of the Housing Defects Act; and whether he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend is considering most carefully recent further evidence on Smith houses, including the information supplied by the hon. Lady about building society lending policies. I hope to make an announcement concerning the question of designation of Smith houses under the Housing Defects Act very shortly.