HC Deb 14 January 1976 vol 903 cc378-80
15. Mr. Radice

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the progess of the Government's housing policy.

Mr. Crosland

No, Sir. Substantial progress has been made in the last two years; public and private house building are both significantly higher; mortgage lending has been stabilised; urban renewal in the worst stress areas has been given fresh impetus; new forms of tenure, such as housing co-operatives and shared equity, have been sponsored; and initiatives have been taken to improve housing management. But I am still not satisfied, and I intend to see that further progress is made during 1976.

Mr. Radice

I congratulate the Government on the progress that has been made, particularly as to housing figures. Can the Minister say whether he expects the trend to continue? Will he agree that with a considerable housing problem particularly in the older industrial areas, and with a construction industry operating at only about 70 per cent. capacity, it is essential to continue the housing programme?

Mr. Crosland

It is absolutely essential to continue the housing programme, as regards both new building and the renovation of existing stock. I am determined that the programme should continue during 1976. I look forward to a further marked improvement in house building this year as compared with last year.

Mr. Raison

Does the Secretary of State mean that the support for council building will be up next year as compared with the current year? What steps will he take to implement his rather quaint remarks about easing the passing of the private sector? Will he speed up his review of the Rent Acts?

Mr. Crosland

From the figures of approvals that we already have it looks as though the figures for council house building will be higher in 1976 than in 1975. As far as possible I shall certainly speed up that review.

Mr. Watkinson

Does my right hon. Friend recall that it is the Government's intention to introduce security of tenure for council house tenants? Can he say when the Government propose to introduce this legislation?

Mr. Crosland

No, Sir. This matter is under study. I am familiar with the point to which my hon. Friend referred, but I cannot give a date for the legislation—which will be of a fairly limited character—required to carry out the reform.

Mr. Stephen Ross

I give credit to the Secretary of State for an improvement in the housing situation, if only slight. I put one problem to him, that of bridging loans. Will he have conversations with the clearing banks to ensure that people who move from one job to another can be assisted with their housing problems and obtain bridging loans at reasonable rates of interest?

Mr. Crosland

The whole subject of finance for house purchase, not merely long-term mortgages but short-term bridging loans, is under the most active study as part of the housing finance review. The question goes wider—into whether institutional funds from other sources beyond building societies might not be channelled into the house-building programme. Until the housing finance review is completed, I prefer not to make any particular or partial statement.