§ 24. Mr. Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of the fact that redevelopment problems in the central areas of cities give rise to particular yardstick cost difficulties, whether he will introduce a differential to cover such cases.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Paul Channon)In addition to the basic yardstick figure, an allowance of up to 5 per cent. is already available for redevelopment sites. In the case of particularly difficult sites we are ready to give even higher allowances on an ad hoc basis
§ Mr. FinsbergI thank my hon. Friend for that reply, but is he aware that the Greater London Council feels that its 1972 housing programme will come to a halt because of the inadequate yardstick procedure, and the same may apply to Camden Borough Council? Does he realise that he is accepting the same sort of advice from officials which his predecessors gave and which caused immense problems to local authorities throughout the country?
§ Mr. ChannonI assure my hon. Friend that we are determined to get the yardstick up to date and make it realistic. If my hon. Friend has evidence that it is inadequate, I shall be glad to examine it carefully.
§ Mr. FordWhen the Minister visits Bradford tomorrow to discuss the Pollard Park area, together with others, will he bear this particular topic in mind when he holds his conversations?
§ Mr. ChannonIf the Council wishes to raise the matter of the yardstick with me I shall be delighted to discuss it.
§ Mr. FinsbergIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.