§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the total cost of improvement grants to houses in Wales in 1960 and 1969; what is the total so far as it is known in Wales in 1970; what are the figures for East Flintshire; what plans he has for promoting and publicising the improvement grants scheme in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasThe total cost of improvement grants to houses in Wales in 1960 and 1969 was £1,252,695 and £1,579,361, and for the nine months, January to September, 1970, was £1,156,098.
The corresponding figures for East Flintshire are £28,474, £29,687 and £18,745.
In addition to the national publicity campaign sponsored by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, which also covers Wales, there have recently been very successful campaigns in local Welsh newspapers in both North and South Wales. Officers of my Department have addressed many local authorities on the subject including a number in East Flint and frequent reference is made to the value of the improvement grant scheme in Ministerial speeches. Local authorities are being urged to acquire and improve old houses and to open them to the public as show houses. I propose to continue the campaigns, visits and publicity which have aroused considerable public interest and the increased take-up of grants show the good results that can be achieved.