§ Mr. Stallardasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will advise local authorities in the Inner London area to suspend consideration of new applications for conversion, or for improvement, pending the implementation of the proposals contained in the White Paper "Better Homes—The Next Priorities".
§ Mr. ChannonNo. It would be quite wrong to delay any progress in dealing with bad housing conditions in inner London or elsewhere.
As stated in the White Paper, however, I see no reason why a local authority should make a grant in circumstances where it is reasonable to expect that the scheme of improvement would have been undertaken without a grant because of 28W its inherent profitability, or where the improvement would not, in the authority's opinion, contribute towards meeting the housing needs of its district.
§ Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to meet leaders of London borough councils to discuss with them his White Paper, "Better Homes—The Next Priorities" and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonDetailed consultations on the White Paper are shortly to begin with a wide range of bodies, including those representing the London boroughs. There are no arrangements for Ministers to take part in discussions at this stage, but, of course, I am always pleased to see the London Boroughs Association and the GLC should that be helpful.