§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will set out in tabular form the number of improvement grants approved for each quarter of 1974, the figure for the equivalent quarter of each of the last five years and the percentage change in each quarter of 1974 over 1973.
§ Mr. KaufmanThe information is as follows:
HOUSE RENOVATION GRANTS APPROVED: ALL OWNERS ENGLAND AND WALES Thousand dwellings 1st quarter 2nd quarter 3rd quarter 1969 25.2 26.7 25.7 1970 28.7 38.5 46.2 1971 40.5 44.3 51.1 1972 66.2 74.6 86.6 1973 85.7 93.7 98.3 1974 89.7 61.1 40.8 Change 1973 to 1974 +5% —35% —58% The drop in the figures for 1974 after the first quarter mainly results from the ending of the temporary provision of 75 per cent, grants in the development and intermediate areas under the Housing Act 1971. The number of approvals is expected to take an upward turn now that the new grant provisions in the Housing Act 1971 are in operation.
§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the proposed order of 18th September 1974, raising the maximum limits on improvement grants, to come into effect.
§ Mr. KaufmanI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 5th December 1974.—[Vol. 882, c.594.]