asked the Minister for the Environment if he has any proposals to review the local authority housing differential rent scheme, with a view to increasing the revenue to local authorities from their housing stock.

The national differential rents scheme for local authority dwellings provides for an annual review of the terms of the scheme and an annual general review of incomes for the purpose of reassessing rents. A preliminary review of the terms of the scheme is being carried out in my Department and any proposed alterations or modifications of the terms of the scheme arising from that review will have regard to the increased cost to local authorities of managing and maintaining their housing estates.

Will that review involve consultation with the National Association of Tenants' Organisations?

Yes. Any proposed alterations or modifications of the terms of the scheme will be the subject of discussions between officials of this Department, local authority representatives and representatives of NATO.