HC Deb 18 October 1972 vol 843 cc82-3W
Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now send a circular to local authorities defining the policy of the agreement towards the allocation of improvement grants, with particular reference to the need to ensure that taxpayers' money is not subsidising undue profits; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Amery

No. The local authorities themselves are in the best position to judge whether in any particular case a grant ought to be made.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance is given to local authorities to ensure that there is reasonable equality of treatment of applications for improvement grants.

Mr. Peter Walker

Local authorities have been asked to consider all possible steps to promote house improvement and to exercise as freely as possible their discretion to make grants.