§ 91. Mr. Idris Owenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress he has made with his campaign to improve older houses; and what are the numbers of discretionary and standard grants authorised, up to the latest available date.
§ Mr. AmeryI have been extremely encouraged by the response of all local authorities and the industries concerned292W to the Government's campaign. Over 30 local house improvement months have already been held in towns up and down the country. I hope that some 60 more will take place during this year and next as well as a massive campaign covering the whole of London. The number of grants approved in England and Wales continues to rise and the total for the first quarter of this year showed an overall increase of 42 per cent. over the same period in 1970, itself a record year.