HC Deb 25 April 1967 vol 745 cc1300-1
10. Mr. Winnick

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what plans are being made to publicise the optional mortage scheme so that existing owner-occupiers can decide whether or not they wish to take advantage of this scheme.

Mr. Greenwood

The main basis of the publicity will be an explanatory pamphlet which will be available, when the time comes, from all the lending agencies concerned and from citizens' advice bureaux.

We shall supplement this with an extensive advertising campaign in the national Press and, it is hoped, some publicity on television and radio.

Mr. Winnick

Since, apparently, owner-occupiers must make up their minds by the end of the year, will not more publicity be required than is envisaged by the Ministry? Will my right hon. Friend consider making a television appearance in order to give publicity to the scheme?

Mr. Greenwood

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for his suggestion, which I hope will be noted in other places. The proposal is that 5 million pamphlets shall be made available in July for people who have to make their choice about the end of September. I think that our immediate proposal is adequate. We shall consider the position further if it turns out that it does not have the response we hope for.

Mr. Graham Page

Has the right hon. Gentleman read the report of a large building society, which has had to put all this on a computer, that it is impossible to explain it in pamphlet form? Is the right hon. Gentleman doing anything to see that it is put on a computer, as a public service for those who will have to decide whether or not to choose the option mortgage?

Mr. Greenwood

No, Sir. This showed how wrong the hon. Member was to press us to introduce the scheme more rapidly than we propose to do.