§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will introduce retrospective legislation for improvement grants on the same lines as the new slum clearance compensation proposals.
§ Mr. MacCollNo. The proposed changes in grants are part of the new approach to improvement (including in particular area improvement) and all these changes should in the Government's view become operative together.
§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what estimate he has made of the effect of proposals in the White Paper for changes in the grant system and increases in grant payments on the numbers of applications over the next six months and before the changes proposed come into operation.
§ Mr. MacCollFor many owners the existing arrangements provide reasonable incentives to improve their houses and I expect that much improvement will continue to be done. The new grant proposals are designed to widen the scope of work which can be assisted, but much of the work will still be within the existing limits and there is no reason why this should be deferred.
§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will take steps to ensure that one 192W particular officer of each local authority should be given special responsibility for carrying out compulsory improvements and grant procedures.
§ Mr. MacCollThis is a matter for the local authority, but my right hon. Friend fully recognises the importance of a coordinated drive and advice on it will be included in the manual on improvement areas which the Government intend to publish in due course.