Hill was very helpful, actually

I must correct Social Animal's statement that Keith Hill pulled out of a meeting with the Northern Consortium at short notice. Although we did try to arrange a meeting with the minister after his speaking engagement, we were informed well in advance that because of diary commitments this would not be possible.

The minister did, however, meet with us on an informal basis before he spoke and we were able to discuss all of the issues we wished to raise including the right to buy.

The consortium has an excellent working relationship with government ministers and officials and regularly meets with them to discuss issues on behalf of our members.