HC Deb 10 March 1971 vol 813 cc408-9
41. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he has had with Portsmouth City Council concerning the adequacy of its housing programme; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Channon

None, Sir.

Mr. Judd

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, whatever the local difficulties, as a direct result of the Government's housing programme and policy local Conservative councillors are talking about cutting back on the housing programme in Portsmouth? Is he aware of the acute unhappiness which exists in a city like Portsmouth and many similar cities as a result of the inadequacy of the housing programme? The hon. Gentleman is very welcome to come to my advice centre any week and study at first hand the human tragedy which results from inadequate housing.

Mr. Channon

The hon. Gentleman knows that we are in discussion with the local authority associations, and we hope that the discussions will be concluded at the earliest possible date. I have looked at Portsmouth's housing programme since he tabled his Question, and one of the factors which interested me was that in 1970 the Portsmouth Council had over 1,000 re-lets in its stock.

42. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he has had with Portsmouth City Council concerning the increasing cost of major housing schemes within the city; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Channon

None, Sir.

Mr. Judd

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are increasing anxieties on two scores: first, because of the imperfection in design of some of the major housing schemes and many people are worried about the prospects of living in the houses being built; and, secondly, because of extensive delays in some of the larger projects there is an added burden on the housing revenue account with consequent extra pressure on already high rents in the city?

Mr. Channon

If the hon. Gentleman has a question about a particular contract, he should ask the local authority about it. That is a matter for the local authority. On the general question about the increasing costs of major housing schemes, I point out to the hon. Gentleman that the average cost of a typical local authority house increased by almost 40 per cent. between 1964 and 1969.