HC Deb 24 June 1969 vol 785 cc1189-90
21. Mr. Ogden

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what limitations he has placed on the construction of new homes by the Corporation of Liverpool; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. MacColl

None, Sir, nor does my right hon. Friend contemplate doing so.

Mr. Ogden

Although the Labour Government have provided massive aid for the city of Liverpool in its housing programme and removed almost all restrictions on future building programmes, is my hon. Friend aware that the city council has undertaken an extensive and lengthy review of housing which has resulted in a diminution in the number of houses to be built in the future, a great slowing-down of the programme in spite of the fact that we have 27,000 families on the waiting list in Liverpool—[HON. MEMBERS: "Too long."]—which is also too long?

Mr. MacColl

The last figure I have is that the council was contemplating approving tenders for about 17,000 dwellings over the next four years. If it achieves that, it is not an unreasonable target.

Mr. Tilney

Is it not true that Liverpool, despite high interest rates, has as good a housing record as almost any other corporation?

Mr. MacColl

Liverpool has had a very good record over the years, and I am anxious that it should maintain that record in the future.

Mr. Heffer

Is my hon. Friend aware that the rate of house building in Liverpool has definitely slowed down since the Conservative Party took over control, and that it is an absolute disgrace and scandal when one considers that the housing subsidies have gone up from £1,333,000 to over £2,400,000 between 1964 and 1968? Is it not time the Conservative Council in Liverpool was told to get on with the job and help our people to get some decent houses?

Mr. MacColl

I am sure that my hon. Friend will be able to convey that to the Lverpool City Council as effectively as anyone can. We have maintained a 5 per cent. differential in the yardstick between Liverpool and the rest of the North-West, and therefore it is being given a great incentive to maintain its programme.

Mr. Graham Page

But has not Liverpool been faced with the increased interest rates? Has it not put in hand as many houses as the subsidy will allow? Is it not keeping up to the programme set by the Ministry?

Mr. MacColl

Instead of being anchored to a rigid subsidy which never changes whatever changes there are in cost, it has had a guaranteed 4 per cent. interest rate for new buildings.