§ LORD WADEasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their policy in regard to the granting of loan sanctions to local 322WA authorities for the acquisition of dwellinghouses for the purpose of redevelopment where such dwelling-houses have, or by modernisation could have, a life of more than ten years.
What studies they are undertaking or have undertaken into the comparative costs of redevelopment and modernisation of dwellinghouses in the older housing estates.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LORD KENNET)The comparative costs of redeveloping and improving areas of older housing have been examined in the studies, both academic and practical, undertaken in the review by the Government of the whole problem of improvement. In particular, this was one, 3f the issues considered by the Deeplish Study published by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government in September, 1966. It was also a subject discussed at length at a conference in Cambridge which I convened in the summer of 1961 and which was attended by people from local authorities, building societies, and the building industry, as well as Government Departments.
The Government intend to make known this spring, proposals for changes in policy and legislation. I would ask the noble Lord to await their publication.
House adjourned at twenty-five minutes past ten o'clock.