§ Mr. Tilleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he plans to provide housing land in outer London for the inner London boroughs; if housing resources are not to be provided in this way, what other steps are planned to assist the reduction of the long housing waiting lists and transfer lists of the inner London boroughs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ArmstrongIt is the responsibility of local housing authorities themselves to provide land for their housing needs. London boroughs have power to provide housing anywhere in Greater London. My right hon. Friend has frequently urged that the land and resources of outer London should be used to help solve the housing problems of London as a whole and we greatly regret the refusal of the present GLC to use their housing powers to help bring this about. Under the HIP arrangements, as under earlier procedures, a significant proportion of national housing resources has been allocated to the inner London boroughs in recognition of their serious housing needs and the high cost of construction in inner London. Over the past few years this has produced a marked improvement in housing conditions in the inner boroughs, although there is still much to be done.