HC Deb 17 February 1971 vol 811 cc1828-9
31. Mr. Julius Silverman

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what special action he proposes to take to assist the county borough of Birmingham to maintain its construction of council houses.

Mr. Channon

Birmingham City Council knows that my right hon. Friend will willingly consider any proposals which it puts to him.

Mr. Silverman

Specifically, I have in mind that the present cut-back in council house building in Birmingham is due mainly to the shortage of building land. Would the hon. Gentleman therefore expedite his consideration and confirmation of the North Worcestershire compulsory purchase order? More generally, would he bear in mind when he announces his rents policy that if it contains a general reduction in or abolition of the general subsidies for council houses, it will inevitably result in a drastic further reduction of council house building in Birmingham and elsewhere?

Mr. Channon

My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to reach a decision on the compulsory purchase order application very soon. I refer the hon. Gentleman to an earlier answer about housing finance. Negotiations are taking place.