§ Mr. Peter Walkerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if, in view of the high unemployment in the construction industry, he will consider taking action to increase the rate of slum clearance;
(2) if, in view of the unemployment in the construction industry, he will announce an improvement in the level of improvement grants for improvements carried out and completed during the financial year 1976–77.
§ Mr. FreesonThe additional provision of £40 million for the improvement of public sector housing in England, announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 12th February, will have a more immediate effect on unemployment in the construction industry than either an increase in the rate of improvement grants or an increase in the rate of slum clearance.
§ Mr. Peter Walkerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total amount he anticipates will be spent in the year 1975–76 upon slum clearance programmes.
§ Mr. Freeson£35 million.