§ Mr. Merlyn Reesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of the difficulties facing owner-occupiers who are endeavouring to improve their homes under the home improvement provisions of the Housing Act 1969 before June 1974 but are unable to complete the works because of the shortage of material caused by the three-day week and will consequently lose the grant, if he will investigate the situation with a view to making proposals to alleviate the situation.
§ Mr. ChannonI would refer the hon. Member to the Department's Circular 117/73, a copy of which I have sent him, which was issued last September. In this the Government emphasised that there was no question of extending further the time limit for completion of work to qualify for the higher rate of grant. Any extension would involve legislation, and would in any case have serious public expenditure implications. Applicants completing work after 22nd June will of course qualify for grant at the normal rate.