§ 5. Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total allocation to district councils in Wales for 1976–77 for acquisition of property and repairs to its housing stock.
§ Mr. Alec JonesA sum of £13.2 million has been allocated to local authorities for capital expenditure on house improvements, environmental works in housing action and general improvement areas, the acquisition of existing property and capitalised repairs.
§ Mr. ThomasWill the Minister confirm that the bids from local authorities in this sector of spending were nearer £30 million than the £13 million his Department is allocating? Will he admit that in view of this low allocation we are likely to see a tremendous backlog in improvements to council house stock and in ability on the part of district councils to purchase privately-rented property?
§ Mr. Alec JonesI confirm that the total Welsh bid was £29.5 million, but, in view of the remarkable success of house building in Wales last year, if we are to retain some target remotely close to last year's figures, it is necessary, however unpleasant it is, to limit other housing expenditures.