HC Deb 07 July 1971 vol 820 cc378-9W
67. Mr. Robert Cooke

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress to date of his Department's house improvement publicity campaign.

Mr. Amery

I am glad to say that the stepping up of the publicity campaign for improvement grants continues to be reflected by an increase in the number of grants approved—an increase of 26 per cent. in the first four months of this year over the same period of last year. So far, publicity campaigns comprising Press advertising, exhibitions, show houses and leaflet distributions have been held in 32 towns and cities up and down the country and a further 60 are in preparation.

Work is now beginning in consultation with the London boroughs and the Greater London Council on preparations for a massive publicity campaign in Greater London in the spring of 1972. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the many interests, both public and private, which are actively supporting these campaigns.