§ Mr. McGradyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money has been allocated to private sector grant improvements in the areas covered by the following offices during 1987–88: Downpatrick, Kilkeel, Banbridge, Newry district 1 and Newry district 2; how this compares with the past five years; how many applications have been made to the Lisburn and Newry grant offices of the Housing Executive in 1986–87; of applications made, how many have been approved for grant-aid at the Lisburn and Newry grant offices of the Housing Executive; as a result of refusals, how many appeals have been made to the Commissioner of Complaints: and if he is satisfied that the applicants are aware of their rights.
§ Mr. NeedhamThis is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. I am advised by the chairman of the executive that separate allocations are not made to individual districts for improvement grants. However, the executive estimates that the total amount of money allocated during 1987–88 to the areas covered by the Downpatrick, Kilkeel, Banbridge, Newry district 1 and Newry district 2 offices is at present, £5.1 million. Grants expenditure is demand-led and the money allocated may vary, dependent on the level of demand. Expenditure during the past five years is estimated as follows:
£ million 1982–83 3.23 1983–84 4.418 1984–85 5.692 1985–86 5.869 1986–87 5.559 The total number of preliminary grant applications made to the Lisburn grants office and to the Newry grants office of the Housing Executive during 1986–87 and the total number of approvals made during the year are as follows:
Preliminary applications Received Approvals made during 1986–87 Lisburn 1,445 907 Newry 1,528 1,029 It is not possible to provide the number of approvals specifically related to the preliminary applications received. The time taken for inspection, and the receipt of all the necessary documents for approvals to be issued may be carried into the following year.
936WDuring 1986–87 there were no appeals to the Commissioner for Complaints concerning grant applications in the Lisburn or Newry grants offices. People whose applications are turned down are notified of the reasons for the executive's decision and that they have a right of appeal. On the basis of the use made of its complaints procedure and advice from members of its staff the Housing Executive is satisfied that applicants are aware of their rights.