§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to encourage local authorities, the Commission for the New Towns and development corporations to increase the number of sheltered housing units provided for the elderly.
§ Mr. Freeson:I have asked my Department to look into the various aspects of the problem of housing for old people, including the provision of sheltered housing. Meanwhile, a third of all new building by local authorities and new towns consists of one-bedroom accommodation, most of which is likely to be intended for old people. I am glad of this opportunity to stress the importance I attach to this part of public sector building, which is rising from the low level of 1973.