HC Deb 21 July 1983 vol 46 cc553-4
6. Mr. A. Cecil Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is satisfied that Her Majesty's Government provide sufficient funds to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to enable it to maintain its houses in Belfast adequately.

Mr. Chris Patten

I hope to discuss this matter shortly with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but I should make it clear that the funds allocated to the housing executive for maintenance in the current year reflect the spending requirements agreed between my Department and the executive when public expenditure allocations for 1983–84 were being considered.

Mr. Walker

Is the Minister aware that several houses in estates managed by the housing executive within the inner city complex are not wind and weather-proof? Will he provide some money before the onset of winter, to help resolve the problem?

Mr. Patten

I know how worried the hon. Gentleman is about the matter, because I had a brief word with him about it in Belfast a few days ago. I repeat that the amount of money being spent at present is that agreed between the Department and the housing executive last winter. However, the executive is aware that it can seek approval to increase the allocation if we can shift resources round within the total budget. I shall certainly discuss the matter with the housing executive.

Mr. Soley

If expenditure on renovation and repairs were significantly increased, would not that not only improve the quality of housing but provide employment in the construction industry?

Mr. Patten

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will welcome the fact that expenditure on maintenance by the housing executive increased from £31.1 million in 1979–80 to £48.2 million in 1982–83, with a consequent effect on employment in the construction industry.

Mr. Skinner

Does it not show clearly the Government's double standards to make announcements about increasing allocations for an area of the country which has been hit by massive unemployment over a long period, when later today another Minister will propose massive cuts in the money allocated to local authorities, principally in Scotland, but no doubt later in England, and tell them to cut their housing and welfare services and to hammer the poor, the homeless and the elderly?

Mr. Patten

I suspect that that is a little far from the question on the Order Paper.

Mr. Flannery

No, it is not.

Mr. Patten

Any reference to double standards is certainly far removed from the Northern Ireland Office.

Mr. Nicholson

Is the Secretary of State aware of the problems facing my constituents who live in Orlit cottages because of the housing executive's lack of initiative in rehabilitating those cottages to provide the basic facilities required?

Mr. Patten

I understand that the housing executive considered the problem of Orlit cottages at its meeting yesterday morning and made proposals which will shortly be put to the Department. It is important that we resolve that problem as soon as we can, because I am aware of the considerable anxiety that it has caused to many tenants and owners.