HC Deb 24 November 1971 vol 826 cc1335-6
34. Mr. Farr

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to simplify the improvement grant procedure with a view to reducing the length of time it takes to get the formalities organised.

Mr. Amery

I issued a circular on procedures last July and I believe that local authorities are generally acting on it. If my hon. Friend has any point to the contrary I would be glad to look into it.

Mr. Farr

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in some parts of the country, such as the City of Leicester, the time taken from initial application to the completion of all the formalities sometimes amounts to over six months? This is proving to be a real handicap in getting on with improvements. Will my right hon. Friend look into the matter?

Mr. Amery

Yes, I will. Six months is far too long.

Mr. Crawshaw

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept from me that the good intentions of his Department are being frustrated by this delay? The time which is being taken in Liverpool is unacceptable. Will the right hon. Gentleman advise local authorities to appoint an officer with power to cut across the different departments involved? Six months for this procedure is a short time in Liverpool where the period is much longer than that.

Mr. Amery

I have said that applications should be dealt with in a week or a few days and that authorities which take more than four to six weeks should review their procedures.