HC Deb 28 March 1973 vol 853 cc316-7W
50. Mr. Whitehead

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total amount paid out in improvement grants to domestic householders by local authorities in 1972 and to the latest convenient date.

Mr. Eyre

£64.;4 million was paid to all private owners in England and Wales in 1972 and £6…8 million in January 1973. These figures include payments to owner-occupiers and landlords.

66. Mr. Gwynoro Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has for curbing the use of public money for the improvement of second and holiday homes.

Mr. Channon

Local authorities already have full discretion to refuse a grant for this purpose. This is, however, a matter I am considering further in the course of my review of policy affecting older housing.