asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is satisfied with the operation of the present provisions with regard to the making available of building land by local authorities to housing associations; and if, in order to control excessive charging, he will seek powers to make it obligatory for local authorities to obtain his consent to charges made when leasing or selling land to housing associations.

I am not aware of any general defect in these provisions, but a sub-committee of the Central Housing Advisory Committee is however reconsidering the rôle, structure and finance of housing associations.

Is the hon. Gentleman prepared to consider evidence with which I can supply him that some local authorities are charging as much as 300 per cent. to 1,000 per cent, profit on land sold to housing associations many members of whom have previously been on council waiting lists? If such evidence is prepared in advance of the report by the sub-committee, will the Minister issue a directive to local authorities to reduce such excess charges?

If the hen. Member will let me have the information and ideas he has I will see that his submissions are passed to the sub-committee which is considering this matter.