HC Deb 20 October 1971 vol 823 cc716-7
33 and 34. Mr. Tebbit

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what representations he has received from the various bodies within the voluntary housing movement since the publication of his White Paper "Fair Deal for Housing", Cmnd. No. 4728; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what representations he has received following the publication of the Central Housing Advisory Committee Working Paper on Housing Associations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Paul Channon

Discussions on the White Paper have been held with the National Federation of Housing Societies and the National Association of Almshouses.

My right hon. Friend has received comments on the Central Housing Advisory Committee Working Paper from a number of people interested in the voluntary housing movement. In general they accept the working paper's analysis of the organisation and financial problems facing the movement. Further consultations will take place.

Mr. Tebbit

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Is he aware that there is considerable concern in the voluntary housing movement? Although the movement accepts that the White Paper is designed to assist it, it is concerned that in some circumstances it may make it much more difficult to get new housing associations going if the terms of the White Paper are not to some extent changed.

Mr. Channon

The White Paper proposes a generous subsidy for deficits on new building. There will be special arrangements to give additional help in difficult cases, if my hon. Friend has any specific point in mind I hope that he will get in touch with me.

Mr. Crosland

The House will be relieved but surprised by the Under-Secretary's reply. Is he aware that at the recent conference organised by the National Federation of Housing Societies alarming statements were made by—as I understand it—every speaker about the effect of the White Paper on the future of the voluntary housing movement? The hon. Gentleman must accept that there is great anxiety on this subject. We should be grateful for an oral statement.

Mr. Channon

There are differing views within the voluntary housing movement. Many representatives of the movement have expressed full support for the proposals in the White Paper. The important point is that in total extra sums will be available to the movement, which I hope will be of considerable assistance. If there are specific problems—and I understand that there are—I will examine them further.

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