Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will now list the steps which he has taken to alleviate difficulties in regard to housing in Northern Ireland which were discussed in the Porter Report.
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§ Mr. CarterSince the publication of the Porter Report in August 1975 the Government have introduced a number of measures in response to its conclusions and recommendations. The Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1976 which came into operation on 10th November 1976 made higher grants available for the repair and improvement of houses and for the provision of basic amenities. These grants were further increased on 1st September 1977. The order also enables the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and housing associations to rehabilitate or replace many of the private rented houses which have become unfit. Other problems discussed in the Porter Report are dealt with in the proposal for a Draft Rent (NI) Order which was published on 22nd November.