§ Mr. Haleasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that the abolition of subsidies on corporation loans except those for slum clearance means that the Borough of Oldham is unable to build any further houses for letting to newly-married families who are deprived of the opportunity of obtaining a home; and what steps he proposes to take.
§ Mr. PowellThe subsidy for houses built for general needs has been reduced, but not abolished. It may well be that local authorities will build more houses than hitherto for slum clearance and that this may result in their building fewer for general needs; but my right hon. Friend has no reason to suppose that they will not maintain a fair balance between families living in slums and others on the housing lists.
§ Mr. Haleasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is now prepared to accept the invitation of the Oldham Corporation to visit Oldham for the purpose of inspecting its housing situation.
§ Mr. PowellAs my right hon. Friend has already informed the corporation, he much appreciates its invitation and shall in due course be letting it know whether he can fit in a visit to Oldham.
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§ Mr. Haleasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that some 14,000 houses in Oldham are now considered as needing clearance or rebuilding; and what action he is taking to assist the corporation in their proposals for dealing with the problem.
§ Mr. PowellMy right hon. Friend is aware that Oldham has a difficult problem and he has arranged for officials of his Department to discuss it with the council.