HC Deb 18 November 1969 vol 791 cc1096-7
17. Mr. Barnett

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will reconsider the amount of lending quota allocated to Heywood Council; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeson

My right hon. Friend has reconsidered the Council's quota for the current financial year but regrets that he is unable to increase it. Allocations out of the additional £25 million were confined to authorities on the housing priority list or to certain recognised areas of town development, and Heywood is not included in either of these lists.

Mr. Barnett

Is my hon. Friend aware that the shortage of funds for older houses is having a serious effect in that houses are remaining empty and are deteriorating and that vandals are causing damage? Should not the supply of funds be given very high priority? Would he not re-consider?

Mr. Freeson

I appreciate the point my hon. Friend has made, but his request for reconsideration has already been taken aboard in an answer by my right hon. Friend a week or so ago when he said that in the coming year the allocation was to be increased to £100 million. One should also pay particular attention to the benefits which arise from the Housing Act, 1969, to assist in the modernisation and improvement of old properties.

Mr. Peter Walker

When considering the criteria for priorities, will the Minister give particular consideration to those local authorities with large-scale problems of planning blight?

Mr. Freeson

This is a point which could well be considered in the review of the way in which the priority list has been classified in the past. The general point is already being covered; I have been looking at this with my right hon. Friend in the last few weeks.