HC Deb 02 April 1963 vol 675 c227
14. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister of Welsh Affiairs whether he will obtain information from local authorities as to the extent to which they use their powers to grant loans to persons wishing to buy their own homes; and what steps he will take to encourage them to make full use of these powers.

Sir K. Joseph

Most local authorities make use of these powers and figures of the total amounts lent are published quarterly in the Housing Return.

Mr. Stewart rose

—

Sir G. Nabarro

Oh, dear.

Mr. Stewart

Is there any way in which hon. Members asking questions can be protected from the bombasts of the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Sir G. Nabarro)?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman is addressing me. I have nothing to add to what I said just now.

Mr. Stewart

I am obliged, Mr. Speaker. Is the Minister satisfied that full use is being made of these powers and would he consider urging local authorities to make fuller use of them?

Sir K. Joseph

Twelve hundred out of 1,500 local authorities are using these powers, or did last year, lending a total sum of £84 million. While there may be some who could do more, I think that in general most local authorities are using these powers.