§ 32. Mr. Moneyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the response to the increased level of improvement grants available in development areas since 23rd June, 1971; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonMany authorities report a sharp rise in applications received and all the indications are that private owners and local authorities intend to take full advantage of the higher rates of grants provided.
§ 83. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how 321W many standard improvement grants and discretionary grants respectively have been made in the last year; what proportion of money spent on improvement grants has gone on installing baths, hot water and inside water closets in houses lacking them; and if he will develop this side of improvement rather than grants for luxury purposes.
§ Mr. ChannonIn the twelve months ended 31st August, 1971, 50,064 standard and 42,983 discretionary grants were paid to private owners.
The information required in the second part of the Question is not available in the form required. However, of the total of £28.3 million paid in grants £7.9 million related to standard grants.
As the hon. Member knows, I want to see as many as possible of our older houses improved to good modern standards and I welcome the trend towards the greater use of discretionary grants in helping to achieve this. I have no evidence that luxury is being grant-aided.