§ Mr. James Hillasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to alleviate the disadvantage under which landlords who are retirement pensioners find themselves in raising their 50 per cent. of house improvement grants for tenanted property.
§ Mr. AmeryLocal authorities can help by advancing loans repayable on maturity to house owners wishing to improve their houses but unable for reasons of age or limited means to raise money on the usual mortgage terms.
§ Mr. James Hillasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to expedite the machinery for paying house improvement grants.
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§ Mr. AmeryMy right hon. Friend has given local authorities the widest possible discretion in considering grant applications, in spite of the high proportion of cost borne by the Exchequer. This is precisely to avoid unnecessary delay, and any complaints of delay should be taken up directly with the local authority concerned. But if my right hon. Friend has any suggestions to make in this matter I shall be glad to consider them.