To ask the Attorney-General if he will list the number of possession orders for rent arrears granted in each English region, for the years (a) 1986, (b) 1987, (c) 1988 and (d) 1989.

The number of possession orders for rent arrears granted in county courts in England for the years 1986 to 1989 are as follows. The number of such orders made in the six circuits within England are also given:

Possession orders for rent arrears granted in England 1986–1989
Circuit	1986	1987	1988	1989
Midland and Oxford	5,268	9,549	13,293	25,607
North Eastern	3,632	5,364	8,495	16,994
Northern	3,978	6,135	9,080	12,403
South Eastern	15,127	14,630	20,881	34,631
Wales and Chester	595	836	1,182	1,836
Western	3,250	4,344	5,488	7,289
England total	31,850	40,858	58,419	98,760

The figures for Wales and Chester circuit exclude possession orders for rent arrears granted in Wales. It should be noted that the figures are for possession orders not evictions since not all orders granted are executed.