HC Deb 10 February 1971 vol 811 cc515-6
34. Mr. Kinsey

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will review the operation of improvement grants, and take steps to ensure that they are applied to achieve the most effective use of resources.

Mr. Channon

House improvements are an integral part of the Government's housing policy, and we are keeping the operation of the grants scheme under constant review.

Mr. Kinsley

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. This is a most wonderful scheme which is doing a tremendous job throughout the country. Will he now consider extending it to the pre-1939 houses which have bathrooms and hot water but are beginning to show signs of deterioration and need of modernisation? This would further help conserve our stock of houses which we want to keep.

Mr. Channon

Both sides of the House strongly support this policy. I agree with my hon. Friend; he is right in saying that the operation of the discretionary grant scheme for older houses would be of tremendous importance. I am delighted that Birmingham's house improvement month begins next week.

Mr. Michael Cocks

Will the hon. Gentleman further consider extending the house improvement grant to cover electrical re-wiring of houses? This is frequently the most expensive item in house improvement and its neglect is often the cause of tire damage.

Mr. Channon

I am willing to consider any suggestion for the improvement of the scheme, which is heartily supported by all people of good will.

Mr. Freeson

The 1969 Act already covers this need, but is the hon. Gentleman aware that local authorities are not necessarily pursuing their powers in this respect as they should be? Is it not, therefore, most important in this connection, and in connection with general operations under the policy, that the manual which was in preparation under the last Government should be published as soon as possible and that advice should be issued specifically to local authorities pointing out that the Act was not intended to replace slum clearance programmes, as many authorities are now using it, or abusing it, in so doing?

Mr. Chanson

I have no evidence that any local authorities are abusing the Act, as the hon. Gentleman suggests, but if he has evidence I shall be delighted to look at it. I share the view he expressed in the earlier part of his supplementary question. I will look into the point about the manual. We are continually considering what further advice we should give local authorities about this matter.