§ 24. Mr. Alec Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many improvement grants at the 75 per cent. rate have been made in Wales since this rate was introduced.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattUp to 30th September, 1972, 20,952.
§ Mr. JonesWe all welcome the encouraging figures for home improvement in Wales, but is the hon. Gentleman aware that many local authorities 25 and builders are concerned that the introduction of value added tax will seriously handicap home improvements? Will he consider consulting the Chancellor of the Exchequer with a view to exempting house improvement grants from VAT?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattAs the hon. Gentleman understands, the value added tax is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor, who I am sure will note what he says. I can only repeat that I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving greater publicity to the success of this aspect of the Government's policy.