§ 32. Mr. Hawkinsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will reconsider his Department's instructions to local authorities which make it impossible for them to give an improvement grant where two cottages are proposed to be converted into one.
§ Mr. MellishThe conversion of two cottages into one is already allowed if they cannot be brought up to standard separately. My right hon. Friend is also willing to consider cases where cottages are too small for agricultural workers' families.
§ 76. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will take steps to amend Section 96 52W of the Housing Act, 1964, on improvement grants, so that the cost of a separate water supply to a house-owner qualifying for a standard grant would qualify for grant aid in the same way as the cost of providing these services does with the discretionary grant.
§ Mr. MellishNo amendment to the 1964 Act is needed. This cost can be allowed for standard grant if the existing water supply is inadequate for the facilities being provided.