§ Mr. Brayasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made in house improvement in development and intermediate areas since the introduction of the increased grants under the Housing Act, 1971.
§ Mr. AmeryThe total number of grants approved in England and Wales for the second half of last year showed an increase of nearly 75 per cent. over the total approved for the first half. This compares with an increase of 32 per cent. for England and Wales as a whole.
Nevertheless, my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State forWales and I recognise that the pressure to get works done by June, 1973, has overloaded the local authority administration and, in some areas, the capacity of the building industry, resulting in some sharp increases in tender prices.
We have, therefore, decided to introduce legislation at the appropriate time to extend by a year the date before which works must be completed in order to qualify for the higher rates of grant under the Housing Act, 1971. This will now run until 23rd June, 1974.
Local authorities, house owners, builders and others concerned in house improvement in the assisted areas can therefore proceed on this basis. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of 165W State for Wales and I would, however stress that this is a once-for-all extension and would therefore emphasise the necessity for all concerned to press ahead as fast as possible if the maximum advantage is to be derived from the increased grants.