§ 33. Mr. Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made with the general review of the working of the system of improvement grants under the Housing Acts promised by the Government in July.
§ Mr. J. N. BrowneThis review is in hand, but it may be some time before any statement can be made. My right hon. Friend has asked the local authority associations for their views on the working of the improvements scheme. Account will also be taken of suggestions made by other bodies and interests concerned.
§ Mr. Thornton-KemsleyIn the meantime, will my hon. Friend look at two anomalies in particular—first, the fact that there is a larger grant for the improvement of an old house than there is for the construction of a new one; and secondly, that when land is given away to a member of the family the grant has to be repaid in full, plus interest, even if the conditions of the grant are still to be maintained?
§ Mr. BrowneYes, Sir.