§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make new provision authorising specially increased levels of mortgage advances for those local authorities where there is a higher proportion of nineteenth century housing.
§ Mr. FreesonWithin the current restrictions placed on public expenditure and on the financial commitments of local authorities, there are at present no additional funds available for home loans.
As I said on 30th June in reply to the question raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Bury and Radcliffe (Mr. White), my Department's regional offices are, as a matter of urgency, inquiring into local authority lending policies in order to ensure that the help which may be available from building societies is directed where it is most needed. In subsequent discussions with local authorities to determine the priorities, I shall ensure that the incidence of high proportions of nineteenth century houses is taken fully into account.