Council Houses

HC Deb 27 April 1967 vol 745 cc345-6W

Mr. Biffen

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the estimated total value of public expenditure on council housing; and what percentage of this figure is represented by expenditure which involves a method of rent rebate linked to a test of financial means.

Mr. Mellish

Exchequer housing subsidies to local authorities in England and Wales in 1966–67 totalled about £79 million. Rate fund contributions for housing in 1964–65, which is the latest year for which figures are available, totalled about £25 million. Information about the total cost of rent rebate schemes is not available.

Mr. Sandys

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what will be his policy with regard to the Greater London Council selling council houses to tenants.

Mr. Greenwood

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the circular (No. 24/67) on the sale of houses that I sent to all local authorities on 20th March, 1967, of which I am sending him a copy.