HC Deb 08 March 1972 vol 832 c1443
31. Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total estimated housing subsidy that will be paid to Worksop Borough Council, Worksop Rural District Council, Retford Borough Council, and Retford Rural District Council in the current financial year 1971–72.

Mr. Channon

Housing subsidies for 1971–72, including improvement contributions, payable to the Councils in respect of dwellings owned by them, are expected to be as follows: Worksop Borough Council, £174,000: Worksop Rural District Council, £74,000; East Retford Borough Council, £36,000; and East Retford Rural District Council, £67,000.

Mr. Ashton

As the present method of subsidy is to be changed. may I ask what advice the hon. Gentleman can give to trade unions in my constituency which are faced with having their pay demands kept down to 8 per cent. whereas rents will go up by 20 or 25 per cent. under the new legislation?

Mr. Channon

I think that my right hon. Friend dealt with that point very satisfactorily a moment ago. [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] One advantage of our national scheme, which I am sure has the support of the hon. Gentleman, is that it will apply to at least one of the local authorities cited by him which has no rebate scheme of any kind at the moment.