HC Deb 02 August 1976 vol 916 cc644-5W
Mr. Hannam

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will issue a circular to local authorities and housing associations advising them to increase the proportion of wheelchair and mobility housing in those schemes which survive the housing cuts in order that the shortage of such housing shall not be exacerbated;

(2) if he will advise local authorities and housing associations in those areas where the provision of new housing is severely cut to consider alternative methods of increasing the amount of wheelchair and mobility housing, in order that the shortage of such housing shall not be exacerbated;

(3) if he will exempt any specialist housing schemes for disabled people from the moratorium on housing starts.

Mr. Freeson

The holding action we have had to take should last for only a short time. We are consulting urgently with the local authority associations, the Greater London Council, and the Housing Corporation about the next steps, and will certainly give priority to providing accommodation for those with special needs.