HC Deb 18 November 1969 vol 791 cc242-3W
93. Sir T. Brinton

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when the priority list used in determining allocations of money under Circular 75/69 to local authorities for house purchase loans was compiled; and if he will revise the list to ensure that the up-to-date situation of the redevelopment towns such as Kidderminster is given due weight.

Mr. Freeson

The priority list was compiled in the winter of 1965–66 and additions were made in 1967. The list of expanding towns was made up of authorities with recognised town development schemes qualifying for retrospective subsidy under the Housing Subsidies Act, 1967. In the interest of speed the additional amount allocated for the current financial year was distributed on the basis of these existing lists. The basis of allocation between authorities of the mortgage lending quota for the financial year 1970–71, which has been further increased, will be discussed with the local authority associations in the near future.

94. Sir T. Brinton

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government why, in view of Kidderminster's redevelopment and estimated population increase, the money allocated for the house purchase loans to the borough 1969–70 is only 18 per cent. of the average of the previous seven years; and if he will give priority to Kidderminster in the reallocation of any money which proves surplus to the requirements of authorities who benefited under circular 75/69.

Mr. Freeson

The allocation to Kidderminster for 1969–70 was made in proportion to its past lending within the limits of the overall amount available at the beginning of the year. No amounts have so far been surrendered out of the additional quotas issued to priority authorities under Circular 75/69.