HC Deb 05 May 1970 vol 801 cc178-9
10. Mr. Lomas

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many municipal dwellings for elderly people were built from 1964 to 1969.

Mr. Greenwood

Between 1964 and 1969 local and new town authorities in England and Wales built 224,000 one-bedroom dwellings, suitable for elderly people.

Mr. Lomas

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, in spite of all the economic problems we have had to face, those are very remarkable figures? Now that he has given the figures for 1964 to 1969, can he give the figures for 1959 to 1964?

Mr. Greenwood

Yes, Sir. Over the five-year period from 1960 to 1964 the total was only 140,000. From 1965 onwards it was 191,000. That is an increase of over 50,000 in that period and an increase of rather more than one-third.

Mr. R. C. Mitchell

What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that when these homes for elderly people are built they will be let at rents which elderly people can afford?

Mr. Greenwood

They are, of course, entitled to the subsidy and other financial help which the Government have given. If my hon. Friend has examples in mind where he thinks more could be done, I will certainly look at the possibility of helping him.