§ 27. Mr. Gowerasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many local authorities in Wales now grant mortgage advances for house purchase; how many refuse all applications for such mortgage 890 advances; and what action he will take to encourage these local authorities to resume such advances.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattOne hundred and fifty housing authorities and four county councils in Wales are normally prepared to make home loans. In only nine housing authority areas are such advances not generally available. All housing authorities which have not taken such action have already been asked to consider doing so.
§ Mr. GowerCan the Minister confirm that in every case local authorities which perform this function can cover all their administrative expenses and are permitted a margin of, say, ½ per cent.? Does he expect that all local authorities will shortly be granting mortgages?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattAs my hon. Friend knows, a number of authorities suspended their schemes when funds were restricted by the quota system imposed by the last Administration. My hon. Friend will be glad to know that Cardiff R.D.C., which lends for improvements and repairs but is not at present implementing the scheme which has been adopted for home loans, is in process of reviewing its policy.