Special Projects (Funding) Mr. Maurice Macmillan asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many applications for funding of special projects he has received from housing associations or other bodies under the terms of circular 1/1977; and whether he will give general details of the groups benefiting from this funding. Mr. Freeson The Department has received over 70 applications from registered housing associations, usually working in conjunction with specialist voluntary agencies, for caring hostel projects under the joint funding arrangements set out in housing corporation circular 1/77. The groups covered by these applications include battered wives, unmarried mothers and other single-parent families; single homeless including young people at risk and those in minority ethnic groups; the physically and mentally handicapped; ex-offenders; ex- alcoholics and ex-psychiatric patients.