HC Deb 16 February 1972 vol 831 cc400-1
13. Mr. Costain

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has held with the Association of Municipal Corporations regarding the implementation by local authorities of Section 75 of the Housing Act, 1969; and with what results.

Mr. Amery

This was discussed with the local authority associations concerned in May last year. It was their view that local authorities would find it very difficult to act as agents for a person or persons wishing to improve their property. This was likely to restrict the use of this power.

Mr. Costain

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that that Act was introduced by the Labour Government in an effort to hide some of their housing policy failures? Does his reply indicate that, like all Socialist Measures, this one is all right in theory but no good in practice? Cannot we get a bit of private enterprise into this so as to get it going? [Interruption.]

Mr. Amery

I agree that the result has been disappointing. However, the Measure might still prove useful, particularly in general improvement areas, as a means of attracting builders who have been discouraged by the piecemeal nature of some improvement work.