§ 84. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if, in view of the number of unemployed building workers in Wales, he will seek to extend the period of eligibility for 75 per cent. home improvement grants so that building contractors can plan for the future and increase their labour force accordingly.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasI have noted the hon. Member's point but the time limit was imposed to encourage the bringing forward of schemes which might otherwise be postponed, and by so doing provide additional work for the building industry.
§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many landlords and owner-occupiers in Wales have applied for the 75 per cent. home improvement grant under the Governments proposals announced in June, 1971; how many dwellings have already been completed under the scheme, and how many are in the process of completion.
§ Mr. Peter Thomas5,240 private owners in Wales applied for 75 per cent. house improvement grants from July to December, 1971. Since local authorities are not required to inform me of the progress of approved schemes, the other information asked for is not available.
§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will consult with 438W representatives of the building industry and local authorities about extending the 75 per cent. home improvement grant from 23rd June, 1973, to a later date in order to ensure that schemes are not turned down by building contractors due to the limited period available for completion.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasRepresentations to extend the time limit of the Housing Act, 1971, have already been made by a number of bodies and I am aware of their views. I should, of course, be ready to consider any further views which may be put to me.