HC Deb 05 May 1970 vol 801 cc170-1
1. Mr. Ogden

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is satisfied with the number of homes under construction for both the public and private sectors in Liverpool; what action he is taking to increase the numbers and quality in the public sector; and if he will make a statement.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Reginald Freeson)

We cannot be satisfied with the number of homes being built while people are in housing need and living in slums. The corporation is now considering its future housebuilding programme and improvements policy, and we shall certainly take the matter up with it if we find its proposals inadequate.

Mr. Ogden

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Concerning the private sector, as the Ministry has given tremendous aid by way of rate and rent rebates, will my hon. Friend use his influence with the building societies to see whether we can have a reduction in mortgage interest after the reduction in the Bank Rate? Secondly, is my hon. Friend aware that the Liverpool Corporation seems to spend most of its time considering its housing programme instead of getting on with the job, under the powers that it has been given, of building houses and doing repairs?

Mr. Freeson

On the first point, we are in touch continually with the Building Societies Association. This is the kind of point which is a matter for discussion with it. Concerning the building programme and the improvements policy of Liverpool Corporation, I appreciate the point that my hon. Friend makes. But we must await the proposals which the corporation will be putting forward at city council level. If it requires action and contact by us we will pursue the matter with the corporation.

Mr. Alldritt

Will my hon. Friend tell us what steps he is taking, concerning quality, to ensure that, if possible, condensation is in future eliminated from new structures?

Mr. Freeson

Generally speaking, on quality there has been a considerable increase in standards both in public authority housing and in private building in recent years. The Ministry of Housing and Local Government has recently completed the first half of a study on condensation and has issued documentation to local authorities advising them on the problem.