HC Deb 17 June 1969 vol 785 cc71-2W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is now able to state the Government's plans for meeting the costs involved as a result of the Ronan Point disaster; and whether he will give an assurance that neither the Newham Council nor the local ratepayers will have to meet any of the costs of the disaster or of remedying any defects in existing tower blocks.

Mr. MacColl

On 6th June my right hon. Friend made an offer to the local authority associations of Government assistance at the rate of 40 per cent. of their net expenditure on strengthening of high blocks and other incidental expenditure. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the letter in which the basis of this offer was explained.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that due to clearing slums and dealing with war damage the London Borough of Newham has incurred debts of £87 million, that the interest on these loans is large and that his decision arising from the Ronan Point disaster will add to this financial burden; and whether he will give special consideration to assisting this council in its present economic difficulties.

Mr. MacColl

No. I agree that Newham's debt is large but, as my right hon. Friend has explained, there are sound reasons for the scale of assistance he offered in his recent letter to the local authority associations. He has also offered to discuss with the associations a method of distribution which will favour the authorities with the heaviest financial burdens.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government on what authority he decided that the London Borough of Newham and other councils should have to pay 60 per cent. towards the cost of strengthening tower blocks to his prescribed safety levels; and by what authority he proposes to enforce these instructions.

Mr. MacColl

It is not for my right hon. Friend to give formal instructions to local authorities on the exercise of their responsibilities as owners of these buildings. He has advised them to have the buildings appraised in the light of the report of the tribunal of inquiry and to undertake such strengthening as is shown to be necessary; and he has offered grants equal to 40 per cent. of the approved net cost.