In view of the statement in the White Paper, will the Minister indicate the financial criteria —whether it is his intention to propose that the system of letting priorities be altered so that financial criteria would be introduced in relation to eligibility?

On the question of eligibility, it is the business of the particular local authority to allocate houses under the existing Act.

That has been my understanding. I am therefore perturbed by the Minister's reply which does not seem to square with the specific statement published by the Government the effect of which is that, in addition to the normal set of criteria of any housing authority, there is to be a new element of financial criteria. Has he any plans to change the priorities with regard to lettings?

On the question of criteria in the Act, they can be amended from time to time depending on proposals which come back from local authorities.

I fully appreciate that. What I am trying to find out, with difficulty, is whether the Minister has any proposals to implement the housing policy outlined by the Government.

At this moment I have no proposals.