HC Deb 18 February 1969 vol 778 c193
18. Mr. Lane

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he will introduce legislation to enlarge the system of improvement grants.

Mr. MacColl

The Housing Bill designed to introduce a more generous and flexible system of improvement grants, and to give other encouragement to the improvement of older houses and their surroundings, received its Second Reading last week.

Mr. Lane

While generally I welcome the Bill, would not the hon. Gentleman agree that its compensation provisions represent only a modest improvement? Will the Government take further steps in the present Parliament to make the entire basis of compensation much more generous?

Mr. MacColl

I would not want to anticipate what goes on in Committee.

Mr. Frank Allaun

Would not my hon. Friend agree that everyone will benefit except the poor old tenants? Does he think they will accept a trebling or quadrupling of rents?

Mr. MacColl

I think tenants will be satisfied with getting a house in good repair, full amenities and a good place to live in.