§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will raise the rateable value limits on grants to owner-occupiers for ordinary improvement works from £175 to £225 for areas outside Greater London.
§ Mr. FreesonAs I indicated in reply to the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight (Mr. Ross) on 17th March—[Vol. 907, c. 1300.]—I am considering whether any changes in the rules are needed, but I am not able to announce any further proposals at this stage.
§ Mr. Arnold Shawasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of all householders, and what proportion of new Commonwealth householders, have applied for improvement grants.
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§ Mr. ArmstrongNumbers of applications for grant are not collected. During the last 10 years renovation grants were approved for 855,000 owner-occupier householders in England and Wales representing nearly 9 per cent. of the total stock of owner-occupied dwellings. Grant approvals to new Commonwealth householders are not distinguished from those to other householders.