§ 18. Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what response he has received since the issue of Circular 46/71 on the speeding up of improvement grant procedures; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonThe discussions which regional officers of the Department have had with authorities show that this circular has been generally well received and acted upon.
§ Mr. McCrindleI thank my hon. Friend for that Answer. May I draw his attention to the minority of local authorities which continue to refuse to operate the discretionary grant scheme? Has he any further action in mind to oblige them to do so?
§ Mr. ChannonMy right hon. Friend would be most reluctant to compel local authorities to operate this scheme, but very much regret that any local authority should not operate the discretionary improvement grant scheme. Anything that hon. Members can do to help in this respect will be much appreciated. My hon. Friend will be pleased to know that the number of improvement grants 1721 has risen by about 22,000 in the first eight months of this year.