HC Deb 04 December 1979 vol 975 cc153-4W
Mr. Abon

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why it was decided not to publish the report "Housing Action Area Annual Progress Reports 1977: An Analysis".

Mr. Stanley

No such decision has been taken. As was made clear in a press notice issued by my Department on 5 October 1979, improvement research note 5/78 "Housing Action Areas—An analysis of Annual Progress Report for 1977"(October 1978) may be obtained from the Department of the Environment.

Mr. Alton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of homes in housing action areas in owner-occupation have taken up improvement grants; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stanley

In 1977–78 local authorities reported paying 1,466 house renovation grants to owner-occupiers in housing action areas, and 2,456 in 1978–79. My Department does not, however, have complete information on the breakdown of the total number of dwellings in HAAs by tenure.