§ 6. Mr. Loughlinasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will seek powers to enable him to put into full effect point 4 of the 12 Point Standard referred to in his Circular, 29/62.
§ Mr. CorfieldAdequate powers already exist to enable an owner to obtain grant for putting in a hot water supply in his house for the first time. Grant is not, however, available towards the cost of replacement.
§ Mr. LoughlinWhile I appreciate the difficulties that the Minister experiences in these cases, would he not agree, as he has indicated to me by correspondence, that there is a deficiency there? Would he be prepared to look at this matter 224 with a view to ensuring that the stated target of the Government is achieved?
§ Mr. CorfieldYes, Sir. The difficulty is that under the standard grants the provisions do not allow for an apportionment where there is a supply of water for one of the points. Under the discretionary grants there is provision for apportionment. I can tell the hon. Gentleman that we intend to put right the defect in the standard grants as soon as the opportunity arises.