HC Deb 20 November 1951 vol 494 cc17-8W
38. Mr. J. J. Astor

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how soon he will be able to inform the war-damaged cities the amount of money they will be permitted to spend in reconstruction in 1952.

Mr. H. Macmillan

I regret that I cannot yet say what allocation for non-housing reconstruction can be granted to these cities. I will do my best having regard to all other needs.

98. Mr. Foot

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a statement on the effects likely to be produced on the reconstruction programmes of bomb-damaged cities by the Government's policy for restricting building and raising interest rates, respectively.

Mr. H. Macmillan

As regard the first part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the answer just given to the hon. Member for Plymouth, Sutton (Mr. J. J. Astor).

As regards the second part, the rebuilding of the central areas of blitzed cities is being carried out almost entirely by a variety of private bodies. I cannot say what effect the increase in the interest rates will have on these various bodies and persons.