To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will investigate the reasons why his Department has told Lichfield district council that it is out of stock of right-to-buy forms; how many other local authorities who are pursuing right-to-buy policies have been similarly informed; how long these forms have been out of stock; and what steps he is taking to have fresh supplies printed forthwith and to ensure that this situation does not recur.

Supplies were unavailable between 6 May and 7 June, and local authorities which ordered forms during this period were so informed. The difficulty arose from a defect in the reordering system, which is being remedied, coupled with a greater than expected demand for the form earlier this year.