Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what effects the changes in the Government's housing policy announced in Command Paper No. 3515 will have on the future house building programme in Southampton.
§ Mr. MacCollNone. Southampton is a priority authority. As far as the Government are concerned there will be no reductions in programmes where the need is greatest and where the programmes to meet that need can be realistically fulfilled. Last December Southampton reduced their programme for 1968, but my 121W right hon. Friend is prepared to allow them to maintain a maximum house-building programme to give priority to slum clearance and to meet shortages of rented accommodation. The decision rests with the Council.