HC Deb 02 December 1976 vol 921 cc1146-8
6. Mr. Fitt

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on future housing policy in Northern Ireland.

The Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Ray Carter)

I have been reviewing, in the light of the latest forecasts about population changes, housing conditions and the new powers in the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1976, how more effective action can be taken to tackle Northern Ireland's grave housing problems. The new building programme for the next five years is being re-examined and is likely to show lower targets for many districts.

I am determined that measures to deal with the housing crisis in Belfast should be given a much higher priority. I believe that substantial new programmes for renewal and improvement in the inner city are needed and am examining how our machinery for dealing with the housing and associated problems in Belfast can be strengthened. I have also been studying the severe handicap which sectarianism imposes in making greater progress in many areas. I plan over the coming months to open up a wide public debate which will involve all those interested in housing, including the political parties.

Mr. Fitt

My hon. Friend will recognise that his statement indicates that there is to be a departure from previously recognised housing policy in Northern Ireland. In implementing his new policy, will the Secretary of State bear in mind at all times that this is not only a question of bricks and mortar, finance and economy, that housing is a very human problem in Northern Ireland, and that no person should be forced to live in any part of Northern Ireland against his wishes, particularly in view of the sectarian problems that exist there at present?

Mr. Carter

I can give my hon. Friend that assurance. We seek to do everything in this area in a purely voluntary way, but the one thing that we must do is to make an impact on the Belfast housing problem. It is certainly the worst in the United Kingdom—and probably the worst in Western Europe.

Mr. Molyneaux

Is the Minister aware that we on the United Ulster Unionist Bench fully support his general intention to switch resources to the restoration of existing housing stock in preference to development of vast new housing estates? Regarding the consultation to which he referred, will the Minister give an assurance that he will give priority to the elected representatives, namely, the local district councils, in preference to all others—certainly in preference to self-appointed community groups?

Mr. Carter

It is certainly my intention to consult everybody, but particularly the elected representatives, including Members of Parliament and councillors But in this change of direction we hope to carry everybody with us—the Housing Executive, the local authorities and reputable tenant and resident associations.

Mr. Watkinson

Is my hon. Friend satisfied with the level of cost of public housing in Northern Ireland? Will he comment on allegations that there may have been excessive profiteering at public expense?

Mr. Carter

Investigations are continuing in that area and allegations are con- tinually being made, but if my hon. Friend has evidence of any malpractice, or believed malpractice, and will pass it to me I shall be only too pleased to look into it.

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