HC Deb 01 December 1971 vol 827 c432
Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consider extending beyond March, 1973, the completion deadline for increased house improvement grants.

Mr. Younger

The increased grants are available for work completed before 23rd June, 1973.

Mr. Steel

Does the Under-Secretary of State accept that there have been some difficulties? This is new legislation and some local authorities have been a little slow in creating treatment areas. There is a danger that we may not get as much work done in this period because of the deadline proposed for the increased grants.

Mr. Younger

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. There may be confusion because some capital expenditure programmes of local authorities are supposed to be completed by March, but the improvement grant is available until 23rd June, 1973, and I hope that local authorities will make the maximum use of it.