§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many houses have had baths, inside water closets or hot water systems installed with the aid of standard improvement grants in the last six or 12 months; how many of these were houses owned by private landlords; why this number has fallen far short of the 200,000 houses a year aimed at in 1964; and what steps he proposes to accelerate improvement work.
§ Mr. MellishThe figures are as giver below.
The rate of house improvement with standard and discretionary grants is running below that of recent years; my right hon. Friend is considering what changes may be desirable in the legislative provision and in the arrangements for administering and publicising improvement grant schemes to achieve and maintain a higher rate of house improvement, but he is not yet ready to make a statement.
§ Mr. MacCollBoth Departments have regional organisations through which close and regular contact is maintained on day-to-day planning matters.