HC Deb 12 May 1971 vol 817 cc368-9
46. Mrs. Fenner

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what agencies, other than local authorities and building societies, are currently making loans available to householders unable to meet the non-grant element of house improvement costs, and what steps he will take further to encourage such agencies.

Mr. Channon

I understand that the National Federation of Building Trade Employers are considering arrangements which they will be publicising shortly which will enable builders undertaking improvement work to offer loans to their customers. I consider this a most useful idea and shall be glad to give it all possible encouragement.

Mrs. Fenner

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Does he plan to take any other steps to encourage such agencies? I am sure that he is aware that the non-grant element and the payment of it can act as a definite deterrent to people wishing to improve their property.

Mr. Channon

Yes, I entirely agree. But there is an increasing number of local authorities and building societies who will lend the other half of the grant to the person doing the improvement, and I hope that as many local authorities as possible will do so.

Mr. Freeson

One of the most important elements in improvements is heating. Would the hon. Gentleman agree that it is worth having discussions with his hon. Friends in the Department of Trade and Industry with a view to the fuel industries being encouraged more extensively to provide capital for this element in improvement schemes?

Mr. Channon

I will consider what the hon. Gentleman said. I have been struck, in the large number of improvement grant campaigns which I have attended, by the very close interest which the fuel industries have taken in this scheme and the way in which they have done their utmost to try to further the cause of house improvement.