§ Mr. Johnasked the Secretary of State for Wales what further measures he considers necessary to increase the number of council houses to be completed in Wales in the next two years.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasMeasures already introduced by the Government are having encouraging results. Public sector housing approvals in Wales this year are the highest since 1970.
§ Mr. Johnasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will discuss with representatives of local authorities in Wales the scale of subsidies granted for the building of council houses in Wales.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasNo. The level of subsidies payable to local authorities is428W laid down in the Housing Finance Act 1972.
§ Mr. Johnasked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received from local authorities regarding the level of Government subsidies for the building of council houses ; what authorities have made the representations ; and what is the nature of the replies he has sent.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasRepresentations have been received from the Caerphilly and Milford Haven urban district councils and the Llantrisant and Llantwit Fardre Rural District Council about the amount of expenditure reckonable for subsidy purposes for particular housing schemes. These were considered on merit and in one case it was found possible to increase the reckonable element.