33. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what advice he is currently giving to local authorities regarding the purchase of properties in advance of requirements where planning blight exists.
The Minister of State, Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Niall MacDennot)My right hon. Friend has urged local authorities to buy in advance of requirements in cases falling outside the statutory provisions where there is genuine hardship.
Mr. MitchellIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that with the increasing number of road-widening schemes and similar plans large numbers of properties in many of the big cities are suffering from planning blight, and in some cases local authorities are very reluctant to buy in advance of requirements? Will he put some pressure on them?
Mr. MacDennotWe have made it clear to local authorities that loan sanction will be available for this purpose in hardship cases. If my hon. Friend has particular cases in mind, I shall gladly look into them.