Local Authorities (Capital Projects)

HC Deb 28 February 1956 vol 549 cc995-6

30. Mr. Sparks

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will give an estimate of the effect which Her Majesty's Government's policy of deferring the capital programmes of local authorities will have upon the development of new housing schemes.

Mr. Sandys

Local authorities have been told that loan sanctions for house building will not be affected.

Mr. Sparks

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that capital expenditure on housing by local authorities forms more than two-thirds of their total expenditure? If the right hon. Gentleman expects capital expenditure to be reduced, and it is not to be on housing, can he indicate what it is to be on?

Mr. Sandys

On other things.

31. Mr. Sparks

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what directions are being issued to new town development corporations in pursuance of Her Majesty's Government's policy of deferring the starting of new capital projects; and how much of this refers to new housing schemes.

Mr. Sandys

I have asked new town corporations to review their capital projects, and to suspend action on any which can be postponed without undue harm to the development of the town.

Mr. Sparks

Does that include capital expenditure on housing schemes by new town development corporations?

Mr. Sandys

I have not given the new town development corporations any instructions about cutting housing, and I am hopeful that they will manage to reduce their overall capital expenditure with little interference with their housing programmes.

Mr. Mitchison

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the importance of keeping amenities, such as playgrounds, in the lay-out of these new towns and of encouraging amenities of this kind, as new towns are primarily social experiments and mere houses scarcely suffice?

Mr. Sandys

Most certainly. I take a great personal interest in that point.

Mr. Gibson

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the statement made by the President of the Building Employers' Federation that already the amount of capital spent on housing has been considerably reduced and that he fears unemployment in the building industry at the end of the year?