§ 76. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what the estimated total cost will be of strengthening tower blocks to the Governments declared specifications; to what extent he has now agreed with the local councils on their portion of the costs; by how much he will increase his original offer of 40 per cent. towards these costs; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonThe first estimate of the total cost of strengthening high system-built blocks in England and Wales was £25 millions. I cannot yet improve on this estimate because my right hon. Friend has not yet received full information from the local authorities. He is still considering further representations made by the local authority associations on the question of grant.