59. Brigadier Clarkeasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will consider ways and means of making house ownership possible for those who have not got the necessary capital to deposit but have adequate income to repay the loan.
§ Mr. MarplesLocal authorities have powers under the Housing Acts to make loans to persons wishing to acquire or build houses for their own occupation and also to guarantee loans made by building societies for the same purpose. These powers are discretionary but my right hon. Friend is endeavouring, in consultation with the local authority associations and the Building Societies' Association, to make arrangements whereby these powers will be made more widely known and used.
Brigadier ClarkeDoes my hon. Friend appreciate that this will encourage people to own their own houses?