§ 36. Mr. Lomasasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is satisfied with the rate of improvements under the Housing Act, 1969; and what steps he is taking to encourage more owners to improve their property.
§ Mr. FreesonI am not satisfied yet, but there are signs that the operation of the Housing Act, 1969 is now beginning to produce an increase in the rate of house improvements. I hope that this will be stimulated by the Ministry's current exhibit at the Ideal Home Exhibition, and the extensive national publicity campaign which will follow. The success of this Act will depend very much on local 53W authority interest which we are trying to stimulate.
§ 39. Mr. Arthur Davidsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many local authorities have so far declared general improvement areas under the Housing Act, 1969; whether he is satisfied with this rate of progress; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonTwenty-eight authorities have already declared general improvement areas involving 31 schemes. More have projects in preparation, but I am not yet satisfied with the rate of progress.