To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to ensure that housing associations pay the proper value of land purchased from local authorities; and if he will make a statement.

[holding answer 26 May 1993]: Housing associations are now the main providers of new social housing. The Government encourage local authorities, in their role as housing enablers, to release land free—or at a reduced cost—to housing associations in return for increased nominations for people from their waiting list. The additional nominations assist the local authority in meeting its statutory obligations in respect of housing the homeless. It is for local authorities to decide in each individual case.