§ 19. Mr. Scottasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to make special arrangements whereby charitable housing associations would be enabled to borrow money for the purchase and improvement of properties at an effective rate of interest of 4 per cent.
§ Mr. MellishNo, Sir. My right hon. Friend does not consider there is a strong enough case to justify such an arrangement. But he is considering in general the need for further measures to encourage the improvement of older houses.
§ Mr. ScottAre not housing associations beginning to make a considerable impact, especially in the large cities where people are most in need of decent housing? Would not this step enable them to make a still greater impact in a very short time?
§ Mr. MellishSome housing associations are doing a first-class job. My right hon. Friend intends to look at the whole subject of legislation for improvement grants as soon as possible, and we shall not forget housing associations.