To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what provision was made in the 1990–91 revenue support grant settlement for costs associated with private sector leasing; and if he will make a statement on his current proposals for 1991–92.

The standard spending assessments on which distribution of revenue support grant is based do not make a separately identifiable provision for private sector leasing. The overall local government finance settlements for 1990–91 and 1991–92 do however allow for the cost of providing short-term accommodation outside the housing revenue account.