HC Deb 30 May 1961 vol 641 cc8-9
13. Mrs. Butler

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what action he proposes to take to assist local authorities in the capital expenditure involved in comprehensive urban renewal.

Sir K. Joseph

My right hon. Friend is not clear that local authorities should require any assistance for this purpose over and above that given.

Mrs. Butler

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that many schemes will not be as comprehensive nor satisfactory from the traffic and social planning points of view as they should be unless local authorities have financial help with the initial acquisition and development of these schemes? Has the Minister yet examined the possibility of making loans available with the payment of interest suspended for the initial period?

Sir K. Joseph

The hon. Lady should remember that the taxpayer is already providing considerable help for comprehensive development through the general grant and through assistance to housing, particularly where the sites are expensive, and by way of a contribution to classified roads. In addition, the local authorities can expect to get a good price from letting the bulk of the development put up in comprehensive redevelopment. However, my right hon. Friend is considering the whole of this complex matter and is looking at all the ideas. I did not mention the question of deferring interest because I did not think that, although it might be helpful in many cases, it was the sort of assistance which the hon. Lady had in mind.

Mr. Deedes

Is my hon. Friend aware that, finance apart, there is overwhelming evidence of the need for more guidance in this matter by a number of local authorities? Are any steps being taken to issue such guidance on consultation with the principal authorities concerned for central redevelopment?

Sir K. Joseph

Yes, Sir. My right right hon. Friend is studying this subject in conjunction with his right hon. Friends most directly concerned in order to provide guidance to local authorities who are constantly consulting his Department and are therefore receiving guidance continuously. But he has in mind more formal methods of guidance in due course when these consultations are complete.

Mr. MacColl

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, even if he does not appreciate that local authorities need assistance, the Civic Trust does appreciate it? Is he further aware that one of the problems is that, if a local authority is to plan redevelopment prudently, it must lock up its resources for a long time and therefor it needs assistance?

Sir K. Joseph

The ideas of the Civic Trust in this field are particularly being studied by my right hon. Friend.