§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to continue the operation of the current 75 per cent. grant in intermediate areas for the improvement of local authority housing up to Parker Morris standards; and if he will at least permit such grant to be paid after the present deadline in 1974 where such work has by then been initiated, even if not by then completed.
§ Mr. ChannonMy right hon. and learned Friend recently emphasised to local authorities, in circular 117/73, that there is no question of the preferential rates of assistance available under the Housing Act 1971 being extended to cover work completed after 22nd June 1974.
Local authorities can, however, claim subsidy under the Housing Finance Act 63W 1972 on the balance of the cost of improvements up to Parker Morris standards, over and above the amount of the Exchequer contribution, that is chargeable to the housing revenue account.