HC Deb 05 May 1970 vol 801 cc73-4W
69. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will now give an assurance that the municipal associations and the local authorities concerned have informed him of their approval of the settlement of matters connected with the 50 per cent. financial reimbursement to local authorities for costs towards the strengthening of tower blocks resultant upon the Ronan Point disaster.

Mr. Greenwood:

The local authority representatives pressed for more generous terms of grant than are now set out in Circular 29/70. But I am satisfied that the grant settlement reasonably reflects the Government's share of the responsibility for the financial consequences of the need to strengthen high blocks.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of the costs which will fall on the ratepapers as a result of his decision about allocating costs of strengthening tower blocks, he will introduce legislation to provide that the money for these projects can be borrowed at nominal rates of interest.

Mr. Freson:

No. The grant arrangements set out in Circular 29/70 provide in general for a reasonable Government contribution.