Tower Blocks (Strengthening Grants)

HC Deb 23 June 1969 vol 785 cc212-3W

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in addition to discussing with the local authorities associations a method of distribution of the 40 per cent. grants allocated for the strengthening of tower blocks which will favour the authorities with the heaviest financial burden, he will also undertake to discuss such arrangements with the London Borough of Newham.

Mr. MacColl

The borough council is a member of the London Boroughs Association and has provided one or more of the association's representatives at the various meetings which have been held since the report of the tribunal of inquiry. I expect therefore that it will be aware of the terms in which local authorities' views are represented to my right hon. Friend on this matter, and will be in a position to decide whether separate representations are necessary.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government to what exent he estimates the London Borough of Newham will be involved in costs in carrying out his advice on the strengthening of high tower blocks resultant upon the Ronan Point disaster; how much his 40 per cent. grant will assist this council; and how much rate increase will have to be imposed upon the local ratepayers to obtain the remaining 60 per cent. of these costs.

Mr. MacColl

The answers to these questions depend on how much strengthening work the London Borough of Newham decides should be done, on whether any part of the cost is recoverable from the designers or builders of the blocks, and how the council decides to raise the money to meet any residual costs falling on it after payment of grant under whatever arrangements are finally made.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether the local authorities associations accepted the offer which he made on 6th June for a 40 per cent. grant towards the net expenditure of strengthening high tower blocks unconditionally or with reservations.

Mr. MacColl

My right hon. Friend has not yet had replies from any of the local authority associations to this offer.