HC Deb 23 June 1982 vol 26 c288
11. Mr. Beith

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the take-up of the increased improvement grants announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget Statement; and if he will extend these arrangements.

Mr. Stanley

We shall not have authority-by-authority figures for improvement grant applications received since the Budget until the autumn, but the early indications of the response to the Budget initiative are encouraging. We have no present plans to extend the higher rate of grant announced by my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor beyond the end of this calendar year.

Mr. Beith

Will the Minister keep the matter under review, because 400,000 building workers are on the dole and many properties could benefit from improvement? Does the Minister agree that the general economic effects of continuing the work would be immeasurable?

Mr. Stanley

I note what the hon. Gentleman says. One of my right hon. and learned Friend's objectives was to make the 90 per cent. grant time-limited to ensure an early influx of applications for improvement grant work to produce an early benefit in employment for the construction industry.

Mr. Colvin

In view of the rising costs of heating, what response has there been to circular 11/82 on home insulation grants?

Mr. Stanley

Following the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget announcement, there has been a further allocation of funds for home insulation work. The bids from local authorities were somewhat below the total available. It seems that local authorities have sufficient funds in hand for the work.