§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many applications for 75 per cent. House improvement grants have been accepted at the latest available date in England and Wales; and what has been the total sum given in grants.
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§ Mr. Eyre75 per cent. house improvement grants were made available for private owners in Development and Intermediate areas in England and Wales from 23rd June, 1971, and additional Intermediate areas were included from 22nd March, 1972. The numbers of dwellings for which grants were approved in these areas during the months July, 1971 to May, 1972, was 55,000and the amount of these grants was £35½ million.
§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what local authorities have informed him of their intention to give 75 per cent. house improvement grants only to owner-occupiers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EyreNo local authority has informed me of such an intention. I hope that local authorities will be viewing each application on its merits and not exercising discrimination based on any other factors than the housing needs and the condition of the housing stock of its district.