§ 1. Mr. Macfarlaneasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the level of expenditure on municipalisation, including the cost of improvements, in 1974–75; and what is the expected level of expenditure in 1975–76.
§ The Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Anthony Crosland)The total cost of municipalisation by local authorities in 1974–75 was about £200 million, including expenditure on initial repairs. The public expenditure provision for 1975–76 is approximately the same.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneWill the Secretary of State tell the House exactly why the Government are still continuing to waste taxpayers' money in this direction when it does little to provide additional home accommodation? Does he accept that it seriously affects any future house building programme? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Greater London Council is wasting ratepayers' money and is doing nothing to add to the new houses being built in Greater London?
§ Mr. CroslandThe next Question on the Order Paper concerns the amount of additional new housing that we are providing. As to why we go on spending substantial sums in this direction, I can give three brief answers. We do so, first because it brings empty properties into use. Secondly, it enables the most substandard property to be improved. Thirdly, it retains badly needed property in the rented sector.