To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the consultation process which will take place on the distribution of funds under the capital receipts initiative. [9956]

My right hon. Friend announced on 3 July that he would wish to discuss with local government and Scottish Homes how we might deploy the additional £12.5 million made available for housing investment in Scotland this year and the additional £43.7 million made available next year. He indicated that he was in favour of using the resources to support welfare to work schemes directed at improving the energy efficiency of our housing stock, and to take forward our policy of new housing partnerships. The Department is consulting the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and Scottish Homes accordingly and a further announcement will be made as soon as possible.