HC Deb 05 June 1962 vol 661 cc187-8
16. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is now prepared to restore the assistance previously given to house purchasers wishing to buy the older type of house

Dr. Hill

When the Government's House Purchase Scheme was suspended last year as part of the measures to reduce the burden of public expenditure some £92 million of the £100 million authorised by Parliament had already been used up. To re-start the scheme would therefore require fresh legislation and I can hold our no prospect of this at present.

Mr. Shepherd

Will my right hon. Friend accept my view that that is a disappointing Answer? Is it not a fact that it is more difficult for a man at the occupational level to buy his own house today than it was pre-war and that we must do something to change that situation?

Dr. Hill

I can understand my hon. Friend's disappointment. On the other hand, it is well to bear in mind that lending by local authorities for this and other purposes has greatly increased. Last year the figure stood at £99 million compared with £66 million the year before.