HC Deb 07 April 1970 vol 799 cc227-8
29. Mr. Hugh

Jenkins asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the relative contribution in terms of housing building and local authorities, private builders and housing associations.

Mr. Freeson

In the five years ended 31st December, 1969, 41.4 per cent. of dwellings completed in England were built by or on behalf of public authorities—local authorities, new town authorities and Government Departments—1.5 per cent. by housing associations and 57.1 per cent. by private builders.

Mr. Jenkins

Is my hon. Friend aware that many people have a much exaggerated idea of the contribution of housing associations to the general house building effort, and that Shelter has pointed out that its actual contribution to housing is minute? What steps does he propose to take to enable the housing associations to make a larger contribution?

Mr. Freeson

The matter falls into two parts, First, there is the position with regard to co-ownership housing associations, those which operate under the aegis of the Housing Corporation. My right hon. Friend has announced an increase of £10 million in the Corporation's capital expenditure for 1970, which together with the building societies' contribution will allow an increase of about £20 million during the coming year. There is also the housing association side whereby local authorities financially sponsor schemes. This is now running at £17 million a year, and is expected to rise in the coming year.

Mr. Chataway

Will the Minister confirm that, in contrast to the pretty miserable assistance given by the Government to housing associations, the Greater London Council is to give £75 million over three years, and that, contrary to what was suggested by his hon. Friend, this could produce 15,000 new and converted dwellings, to which the G.L.C. would have rights to over 9,000?

Mr. Freeson

The hon. Gentleman is talking nonsense. The housing association movement in the purchase of old properties for conversion relies on the assistance forthcoming under the 1967 Act, whereby help was given for the purchase of property. The G.L.C., like other authorities, is very largely reimbursed from Government sources on this score, and also by way of the grant aid for conversions. The number of dwellings likely to be converted in Greater London in the coming year is estimated to be about 3,000. The total number requiring conversion and modernisation is nearly 250,000.