§ Mr. Stallardasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he accepts the conclusion that the take-up of improvement grants often means a loss of privately rented accommodation, stated in the report of the panel of inquiry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonFor the past 50 years or so, both in London and nationally, there has been a steady decline in the amount of privately rented accommodation and an increase in owner-occupation. In my review of policy affecting older housing I am, of course, examining the allegations that improvement grants may recently have contributed to these changes.