HC Deb 08 May 1962 vol 659 cc206-7
26. Mrs. Slater

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many houses in Stoke-on-Trent have received improvement grants since 25th November, 1961; and how many of these were made to owner-occupiers.

Mr. Rippon

Between 1st December, 1961, and 31st March, 1962, grants for the improvement of 113 private houses in Stoke-on-Trent were approved, of which 95 were to owner-occupiers.

Mrs. Slater

Does not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the very small number of houses improved by landlords means that the Ministry must again consider how much compulsion can be put on these people to make them take advantage of these grants so that these houses may be prevented from becoming slums in the future?

Mr. Rippon

In regard to compulsory powers, I can add nothing to the Answer given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Salford, East (Mr. Frank Allaun) on 1st May. We are certainly anxious that the improvement grants should be used by landlords, and, indeed, the percentage is rising.

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