§ 47. Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the estimated number of housing improvements and conversions under the Housing Act, 1969, to be undertaken by the Greater London Council, boroughs and housing associations in Great London in 1970–71.
§ Mr. Freeson:It is too early to judge the effect in London of the higher levels of assistance in the Housing Act, 1969, and so to make a reliable forecast. The new measures are already beginning to show results, but a greater number is expected next year as programmes of improvement under the Act develop.
§ 55. Mr. Brooksasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many sub-standard privately-owned dwellings have been renovated and improved with Government assistance since October, 1964; what was the corresponding figure for the comparable period before that date; and what has been the total financial contribution by Government and local councils, respectively, to such improvement in each of the two periods specified.
§ Mr. Freeson:Grants have been approved for the improvement of some 409,000 private dwellings in England and Wales since October, 1964. The figure for the preceding comparable period was 396,000.
Grants approved came to approximately £79.7 million and £67.4 million respectively. Government contributions amount to 75 per cent. of local authorities' loan charges arising. In other words, Government contributions would represent about £59.8 million and £50.5 million of the totals approved; and the local authorities' share, £19.9 million and £16.9 million.