HC Deb 03 May 1974 vol 872 cc316-7W
Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many additional houses, in numerical terms, lie expects to be started during the second half of 1974 in the private and public sectors, respectively, solely as a result of the decisions announced in the Budget; and what percentage increase over the equivalent period of 1973 this will involve;

(2) how many additional houses, in numerical terms, he expects to be completed during the second half of 1974 in the private and public sectors, respectively, solely as a result of the decisions announced in the Budget; and what percentage increase over the equivalent period of 1973 this will involve.

Mr. Freeson

The purpose of the additional £350 million capital provision for housing in the Budget and the offer of loans up to £500 million to the building societies for mortgage lending is to get a clear upturn in house building programmes, in contrast to the sharp and continuing decline in recent years. It would not be sensible at this stage to venture a numerical forecast.

Mr. Terry Walker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what legislative measures he proposes to deal with housing problems.

Mr. Crosland

The Housing Bill presented today includes a range of measures to deal with areas of housing stress; to make the improvement grant system more effective, and to stop abuses; and to strengthen the Housing Corporation and expand activity by housing associations.

Shortly after Easter I intend to introduce the Bill to give tenants of furnished accommodation security of tenure. The provisions to be made for the first stage in the repeal of the Housing Finance Act will be the subject of consultations as soon as possible with local authorities and others concerned, with a view to introducing, the necessary legislation later in the summer. This legislation will include provision for halting the work of the rent scrutiny boards.

June-July 1973 Women's Squash Rackets Association. Tour of South Africa £1,344
July-August 1973 All England Netball Association Tour of South Africa £1,848
August-September 1973 Squash Rackets Association World Championships £1,620
January 1974 Surf Life Saving Association of Great Britain. World Life Saving Competition £2,526
March 1974 British Trampoline Federation World Championships £500