Mahsi, Mr. Chairman. I am also concerned about this announcement that there are going to be cutbacks in public housing. It means a lot of problems. Already in the communities, there are many problems with housing shortages
and what this means, is that there is going to be an even greater problem and burden on the people in the communities who, up to now, have been expecting to have H.A.P. houses and move into public housing in the next few years.
With the housing survey indicating that there is a need for over 3,000 new houses right now and with this cutback it is a very crucial situation that we find ourselves in. I agree with the Minister that housing is very important in the communities, it is a basis to grow from. Once you have a family and a good house then the family can get on with their lives to make things a lot better for themselves.
In many cases in the smaller communities I have seen situations where housing is in really bad condition and people do need more houses rather than less. So, with this announcement, it is a tragic announcement. I am wondering if the Minister could tell me if there has been any immediate, emergency strategies developed by the government in dealing with this situation at this time. Are there any suggestions on how to deal with this issue at this present time? I am here representing people in my constituency who are depending on housing, and with this announcement, I would like to know what I can tell them is in the plans right now. Thank you.