§ 24. Mr. Reynoldsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what is the total annual cost of subsidies paid to local authorities on houses purchased by them to facilitate derequisitioning; on how many houses these subsidies are being paid; and what is the average annual payment per house.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Sir Keith Joseph)At 30th September, 1960, the total amount of contributions approved for dwellings bought or leased by local authorities to facilitate de-requisitioning was £982,000 per annum. These contributions relate to 15,330 dwellings, the average annual amount per dwelling being about £64.
§ Mr. ReynoldsIn view of the fact that nearly £1 million is being contributed by the Government because of instructions given to local authorities to purchase houses, will the Minister consider making a similar contribution to assist local authorities to purchase houses under the terms of the recent circular in order to avoid evictions?
§ Sir K. JosephNo, that is not considered necessary.