HC Deb 27 March 1974 vol 871 cc123-4W
44. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will agree to meet the hon. Member for Newham, North-West and the appropriate officers of the Newham local authority to discuss the council's scheme for house purchase by newly married couples.

Mr. Freeson

I am considering a letter about this scheme from the chairman of the council's town planning and housing committee. My hon. Friend may agree to reconsider his request in the light of my reply to the council, which I will send as soon as possible.

Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for encouraging owner-occupation for prospective purchases, and easing the mortgage repayments of those already buying their homes.

Mr. Jeffery Archer

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will introduce legislation to enable cash grants of £1,500 to be made for the first-time buyers of houses valued at not more than £7,500 provided resale does not occur within a 10-year limit without the council's consent.

Mr. Freeson

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Melton (Mr. Latham) on 20th March—[Vol. 870, c.110.]—and to that my right hon. Friend the Paymaster-General gave to my hon. Friend the Mem- ber for Kingston upon Hull, Central (Mr. McNamara) and to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. McCrindle) on 21st March—[Vol. 870, c. 1304–06.]