To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress of schemes to assist home owners threatened with repossession by banks and building societies. [7004]

Mortgage lenders are pursuing a range of initiatives designed to help borrowers in difficulty and to avoid unnecessary repossessions. The success of Government policies in securing sustainable economic growth, increased employment opportunities and low interest rates means fewer people are likely to get into difficulties with their mortgage payments and those in arrears are more likely to be able to pay them off.