HC Deb 03 November 1970 vol 805 cc333-4W
Mr. Spence

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware of the high level of demand for home ownership in the city of Sheffield; if he is further aware that potential home owners in that city cannot obtain a Corporation mortgage because the money allocated for this purpose for the year 1970–71 is already exhausted; and if he will examine the situation in Sheffield with a view to making a special allocation of mortgage money.

Mr. Channon

Owing to the need to maintain credit restraint, my right hon. Friend reluctantly found it necessary to continue to restrict the amounts lent by local authorities for house purchase to of; what facilities and services are provided; what is the actual or estimated total cost per annum of each; what rent or payments are made by the occupants for each; and what is the estimated market cost of the accommodation provided in each case.

Mr. Amery

The following list shows details of State-owned accommodation occupied as private residences by Ministers. The list does not include details of State-owned accommodation used for married quarters or allocated to key personnel who are required to be available in an emergency, details of which are not readily available.

the level imposed by the previous Government. My right hon. Friend is not at present able to increase the amounts for authorities like the Sheffield City Council who have exhausted their allocation for the financial year. Allocations for 1971–72 are at present being considered.

Mr. Spence

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the proportion of owner-occupied dwellings to total dwellings in the city of Sheffield now and in the last full year before April, 1964.

Mr. Amery

The West Riding County Reports on the Censuses of Population and Housing indicate that between April, 1961, and April, 1966, the proportion of owner-occupied dwellings in the city of Sheffield rose from 32.8 per cent. to 37.5 per cent. If my hon. Friend wishes to obtain a later estimate I suggest that he approaches the city council.