HC Deb 27 April 1972 vol 835 cc355-6W
Sir R. Cary

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to how many housing projects to be built by direct labour in Manchester he gave loan sanction in 1971; in how many cases permission was given without the project having been won by competitive tender; which they were; and what were the general reasons in each case.

Mr. Eyre

The Department approved six schemes to be carried out by direct labour for which the acceptance of estimates by the Manchester Corporation was notified to the Department in 1971. Two were won in new competition; four were in continuation of schemes previously won in competition and were:

  • Johnson Street.
  • Galston Street.
  • Johnson Street Extension.
  • Longsight 3 and 5.

Sir R. Cary

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent he takes into account the demand for houses in a local authority area in his consideration of applications for loan sanction.

Mr. Eyre

It is primarily for each local housing authority to determine its house building programme in the light of its assessment of the housing needs of its area.

Sir R. Cary

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether it remains his policy to refuse loan sanction to local authorities wishing to build houses for direct sale to the public unless they can show that local builders are unable or unwilling to satisfy the demand for home-ownership in the area; what criteria he imposes for that test of acceptability; and whether he has received any application for loan sanction to build for sale from Manchester Corporation since May, 1971.

Mr. Eyre

I confirm that I examine each proposal by a local authority to build for sale in the light of the test mentioned, which must be interpreted in the particular circumstances of each case. It is essentially the private builders who should cater for the private market, but in considering proposals to build for sale I have much in mind our objective to secure a good supply of new dwellings for the less well-off to buy. Since May, 1971, I have had no application from Manchester Corporation for loan consent to build for sale.