§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the number of houses which lack basic amenities and could qualify for standard improvement grants.
§ Mr. ArmstrongNo estimates are available in the precise form requested. The 1971 Census indicated that just under 3 million households in England and Wales lacked exclusive use of one or more of the three basic amenities—hot18W water, a fixed bath or shower, and an inside WC.
Since that date over 1¼ million dwellings in the public and private sectors have received improvement grants, and many of these have gone towards the cost of provision of basic amenities.
The 1976 English House Condition Survey, covering a sample of some 9,000 dwellings in England, is now taking place and its results will make possible an accurate national estimate of the number of houses which lack basic amenities and could qualify for grant. A survey on a similar basis is also taking place in Wales.