HC Deb 19 January 1954 vol 522 cc810-1
14 Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) whether he is aware that, unless the proposed Exchequer contribution towards the cost of deferred demolition is increased, an intolerable burden will be imposed on local authorities, like Islington, which contain an unusual proportion of houses built nearly 100 years ago; and if he will take steps to remedy this;

(2) on what basis he has calculated the proposed Exchequer contribution of £3 per separate dwelling towards the cost of houses bought for deferred demolition;

(3) what representations he has received from local authorities about the inadequacy of the proposed contribution from the Exchequer towards the expenses of local authorities in buying houses for temporary occupation.

Mr. H. Macmillan

Since all these questions are to be discussed in detail tomorrow, in the Committee on the Financial Resolution, I hope the hon. Member will agree that it will be more convenient to deal with them at that time.

Mr. Fletcher

It would be very convenient if the Minister could, in the meantime, circulate some figures giving an answer to Question No. 15. It would also be convenient if he would bear in mind the very widespread dissatisfaction that is felt among local authorities about the complete inadequacy of his present proposals.

Mr. Macmillan

As we shall be discussing this from 3.30 to about 8 o'clock tomorrow, I think it would be better to leave it until then rather than deal with this complicated subject by Question and answer.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Is the Minister aware that the information might indeed aid us a great deal in the discussion we shall have?