HC Deb 29 July 1958 vol 592 cc1123-4
6. Mrs. Butler

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what action he is proposing to take to enable local authorities to advance 100 per cent. of the purchase price to suitable applicants for loans for house purchase.

Mr. H. Brooke

While I wish local authorities to make full use of their powers to lend for house purchase, these could only be extended by legislation. I will keep in mind the suggestion in the hon. Member's Question.

Mrs. Butler

Whilst thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask whether he appreciates that if he could take some action quickly it would greatly assist families who are being evicted under the Rent Act and are trying to help themselves by buying houses but who cannot get together the 10 per cent. deposit in the short time available?

Mr. Brooke

This suggestion has been made to me from a number of quarters. To prove that I have not a closed mind

Following are the figures:

Grants paid to the Biddulph Urban District Council in respect of purposes for which the Minister of Housing and Local Government is now responsible, for each of the years from 1945–46 to 1957–58:

on the subject, I would point out that I raised no objection to a provision of that very character in the Wallasey Corporation Bill which has been before Parliament this Session.

Mr. Page

Is my right hon. Friend aware that facilities of this sort for advances of 100 per cent. to house purchasers would be welcomed on this side of the House as well, at any rate in respect of new houses?

Mr. Brooke

I will take note of that.

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