HC Deb 19 January 1970 vol 794 cc57-8W
Mr. Prentice

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he will make a statement on grant for strengthening blocks of high-rise flats.

Mr. Greenwood

During discussions with representatives of the local authorities I proposed a 40 per cent. capital grant towards the costs of strengthening and associated expenditure for blocks of flats over 6-storeys high which were the subject of recommendations of the report of the tribunal of inquiry. The local

total number of unemployed, respectively, at September, 1964 and at the latest date for which figures are available for both statistics.

Mr. Dell

Regional employment estimates are not available for September, 1964. Following is the information for June, 1964, June, 1968 and March, 1969:

authority representatives pressed for a higher level of grant. I have been impressed by the arguments put before me by the associations and I have concluded that it would be reasonable to increase the Government's contribution to 50 per cent. of the total approved expenditure arising out of the appraisal and strengthening of these high blocks.

I am arranging for immediate consultations with the representatives of the local authorities to discuss the method of distribution and other details, and a circular will be sent to local authorities as soon as possible.

The grant moneys will be accounted for on the main votes of the Ministries. Parliament will be asked to sanction any expenditure this financial year by means of a supplementary estimate, which will be presented in due course. In the meantime payments made on account will be advanced from the Civil Contingencies Fund.