To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on requiring local authorities to accept applications from members of HM armed forces for social housing on leaving the services; and if he will make a statement. (157785)

The Secretaries of State of both Departments met on 14 May 2007 to discuss the issue of ‘local connection’ in the allocation of social housing.

My hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and I announced through a written statement on 21 June 2007, Official Report, column 108WS that the Government will be amending the housing legislation at the earliest opportunity to ensure that service personnel are put on an equal footing with others applying for an allocation of social housing. MOD and CLG officials continue to work closely on the issue.