§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has considered the recommendation by the Association of District Councils for greater spending on housing and building improvements; and if he proposes to take steps to accede to the council's request.
§ Mr. StanleyMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment discussed with representatives of the association their views on this matter at a recent meeting of the housing consultative council. The Government have allowed local housing authorities full discretion in the expenditure of their capital allocations and their capital receipts. It is for each authority to pursue its priorities in the light of local circumstances. The Government will be announcing their public expenditure proposals for 1982–83 and subsequent years in due course.