HC Deb 05 May 1970 vol 801 cc179-80
11. Mr. Arthur Davidson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action is being taken by his Department to encourage housing provision for the chronically sick and disabled.

Mr. Denis Howell

Under the Housing Subsidies Act, 1967, increased subsidy is payable where local authorities incur extra costs in providing specially designed housing for the chronically sick and disabled. My right hon. Friend is considering what formal advice can be circulated in the light of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Bill; but we have already made clear that we wish local authorities to search out the various housing needs of their areas more carefully and meet them by greater building activity and action on establishing improvement areas.

Mr. Davidson

Is my hon. Friend aware that his answer will be greatly welcomed by the disabled? Can he speculate about how effective these provisions will be if Conservative councils persist in cutting down house-building programmes?

Mr. Howell

Obviously it will be a matter of great distress if Conservative councils insist on cutting down house-building programmes.

Hon. Members: They do.

Mr. Howell

It is a matter of great distress that they do so. It is even more distressing if this affects the special needs of handicapped people. This is something which I assure my hon. Friends the Government will keep under review.

Mr. Marten

May I assure the Minister of State that Conservatives are just as much concerned about the disabled as is the Labour Party?

Mr. Howell

I quite agree, but those authorities which are not building houses are not showing concern for anyone.