§ 50. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he has studied the communication from the Town Clerk of the London Borough of Newham, dated 7th June 1967, concerning the Housing Standards Costs and Subsidies Circular 36/37; what were the four basic points raised in this communication; and whether he will agree to meet representatives of the London Borough of Newham together with their four Members of Parliament to give further consideration to this subject.
§ Mr. MellishYes, the letter dealt with the effect of Circular 36/37 on the timing, building-types, standards and cost of building in Newham. The Department is writing to the Town Clerk and if, after considering this letter, the council wish to meet me I shall be glad to arrange a meeting. I am sending copies of the letter to Newham Members.
§ 57. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that the former boroughs of East and West Ham were severely damaged during the last war and that special help and financial assistance have been promised; and whether, in view of the concern recently expressed to him by the London Borough of Newham concerning housing subsidies, he will reconsider this appeal by the Council for retrospective assistance.
§ Mr. MellishI fully appreciate the housing needs of Newham but the Borough does not qualify for retrospective 211W subsidy under the conditions announced in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Salford, East (Mr. Frank Allaun) on 20th December, 1966, and as explained when my right hon. Friend met a deputation from Newham, he does not think it right to amend those conditions.