§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for the Environment for how long his Department and Tameside council have been considering the application for improvement grant to renovate the exterior of 16 Smith street, Haughton green and neighbouring houses; and what indications have successively been given to the council by officials of his Department as to when it expects to complete its consideration.
§ Sir George YoungI am advised that Tameside metropolitan borough council has not received an improvement grant application in respect of No. 16 Smith street, Haughton green, Denton. However my Department 481W has before it a proposal by the borough council for enveloping the terrace including 16 Smith street, which was submitted on 30 September 1983. Enveloping, however, may take place only in housing action areas and a proposal to declare a housing action area for Smith street was not made by Tameside council until 3 January 1984. This is under consideration; the 28 day period in which my right hon. Friend may intervene expires on 19 February.