§ Mr. Muddasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue a further circular to, and offer consultations with, local authorities encouraging them to deal with improvement grants for schems in excess of £2,000, in order to increase the use of building workers in areas of high unemployment.
§ Mr. ChannonMy right hon. Friend does not think a further circular is called for at this stage. The local authorities concerned are already aware from the departmental circular about the operation of the Housing Act, 1971, and from discussions with the Department's regional officers that he is willing to consider increasing the limit to grant where the authority is satisfied that the merits of a particular scheme justify paying more.
My hon. Friend will be aware from my right hon. Friend's speech in the debate on 7th December of the extensive measures taken by the Government to accelerate work in the development areas and so provide additional employment for the construction industry.