I anticipate that local authority housing output this year will be the highest for 16 years, at 5,500 units, and the output of the voluntary and co-operative sector is likely to reach an all time high at 1,500 units. Activity is also increasing significantly under the affordable housing and shared ownership schemes. In the first six months of this year, over 350 homes were completed under the affordable housing scheme and a further 1,800-odd units were in progress at the end of June last. Local authorities assisted 710 households with shared ownership homes in the first six months of this year. The prospects are good for substantial growth in activity next year also.