HC Deb 09 February 1960 vol 617 cc206-7
25. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, in view of the refusal of improvement grants by local authorities on advice from his Department in respect of dwelling accommodation with access to shop premises, whether he will consider making such grants permissible; and for what reason such grants are not now permitted.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Sir Keith Joseph)

It is a condition that, after improvement with a discretionary grant, a dwelling must be self-contained and capable of separate occupation. My right hon. Friend thinks a communicating door should not exclude grant if the living accommodation has a separate access, and there is now no objection to the giving of grant where this condition is satisfied.

My right hon. Friend intends to cover this point, with others, in practice notes now being prepared for the guidance of local authorities.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the Minister accept my assurance that this will come as very gratifying news to many local authorities?