§ 45. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take to increase the building of houses to rent by local authorities in development areas.
§ Mr. ChannonThe reform of housing finance which my right hon. Friend announced on 3rd November will mean that local authorities with serious housing problems in development areas as elsewhere, will be better placed to solve them.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that great doubt still exists, particularly in development areas, about this possibility? Is it his intention to increase the amount of local authority building for tenants, because a very large number of people cannot afford to buy houses?
§ Mr. ChannonWhat my right hon. Friend said in his statement was that local authorities with the worst housing problems would receive the most help.
§ Mr. CroslandWill the hon. Gentleman tell the House when we shall have a statement filling out some of the details of the very vague statement made on 3rd November? Secondly, since there is grievous disquiet in the development areas about many aspects of government policy, when will his right hon. Friend, who has regional responsibilities, among others, make a statement on the Government's regional policy?
§ Mr. ChannonIn regard to the second part of the question, I will ask my right hon. Friend to get in touch with the right hon. Gentleman. As regards the first part of the question, my right hon. Friend is about to engage in negotiations with local authorities. When they are complete, further statements will be made.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment as soon as possible.