HC Deb 09 May 1963 vol 677 cc647-8
7. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many local authorities have commenced improvement schemes for whole streets or larger areas since the issue of Circular 42/62 on 2nd August, 1962.

Mr. Corfield

About 400 local authorities have indicated that they intend to encourage improvement of houses by groups or areas. My right hon. Friend has not asked them to give him progress reports. He thinks it better to leave them to get on with the job.

Mr. Boyden

Is not that a small number of all the authorities which could do this? Has there not been a loss of impetus because of the economy cuts in 1961 which suspended the drive to get people to take an interest in improvement grants?

Mr. Corfield

There was a slight falling off in the period the hon. Gentleman mentions. Ninety-six per cont. of all local authorities have replied to my right hon. Friend's inquiries and 400 of them intend to make a start on area improvements straight away.

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