HC Deb 20 October 1971 vol 823 cc713-4
27. Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress to date of his house improvement publicity campaign.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Paul Channon)

Fifty-six local publicity campaigns have been held to date and 40 more are planned, including a major campaign next April in Greater London. This Joint effort by central and local government has un-doubtedly been a major factor in the remarkable general increase achieved in the rate of progress with house improvement.

Mr. Chapman

I recognise the publicity which has been given and the progress which has been made. Politically, economically, socially and from every point of view, is not renovation better than demolition? Is my hon. Friend prepared to keep an open mind not only on the question of increasing the grants but also on the question of increasing the proportion of the cost for which a grant will be made available?

Mr. Channon

I agree with my hon. Friend's preliminary remarks and note his later comment. He will be pleased to learn that discretionary grants are up by as much as 61 per cent.

Mr. Fernyhough

As these grants are 75 per cent. of the total cost from public funds, why are the Government so ready to give away to wealthy landlords public money to this extent whilst at the same time they are determined to reduce housing subsidies?

Mr. Channon

The question of housing subsidies is another matter which we shall have plenty of opportunity of debating. On the right hon. Gentleman's first point, I hope that he and all other hon. Members who have constituencies in the intermediate and development areas which are getting 75 per cent. grants will encourage their local authorities and everyone possible to apply for them.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are great anxieties about the number of houses that are being moved out of the control and occupancy of lower income groups through improvement schemes of this kind?

Mr. Channon

There is no need for any such anxiety. The hon. Gentleman must recognise that in the Government's new proposals, for the very first time in our history, all unfurnished tenants will get the right to a rent allowance.