§ 21. Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much money was made available by way of local authority mortgages and loans to help people buy and improve houses in Liverpool in 1974–75, 1975–76, 1976–77 and in the current year, giving the percentage decline for each year.
§ Mr. FreesonLiverpool's direct lending for 1974–75 to 1977–78 was £4.8 million, £3.7 million, £2.2 million and £1.2 million, respectively. In addition, support lending available between 1975–76 and 1977–78 totalled £2.55 million. In 1978–79. Liverpool will have £5 million for direct lending and improvement grants and for support lending. I have asked what it needs from the substantially increased amount available nationally.
§ Mr. SteenDoes the Minister realise that this is the principal fund to purchase and improve older houses in inner city areas, such as Liverpool? How does he reconcile the accelerated deterioration of older houses in the inner city with the statement that he has pensioned off the bulldozer?
§ Mr. FreesonI find the form of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question rather obscure. I realise that there are many figures which are difficult to follow, but if the hon. Gentleman will read the text of what I have said he will realise that there is increasing provision for home lending. I am still awaiting a response to my inquiry from Liverpool about what it would require from the greatly increased support lending available from building societies in the coming year.