HC Deb 14 June 1978 vol 951 cc567-8W
29. Mr. Ovenden

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent representations he has received about the level of local authority mortgage rates; and what replies he has sent.

Mr. Freeson

I have received a number of representations from hon. Members, local authorities and members of the public about the level of local authority mortgage interest rates. I am considering these representations in the light of the Green Paper proposal that local authorities should be able to charge the Building Societies Association recommended mortgage rate, with any deficit charged or surplus credited to the general rate fund.

40. Mr. Terry Walker

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the Kingswood District Council about the inadequacies of funds available under the Housing Act advances scheme; how many other representations he has received; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Armstrong

Kingswood Council wrote to this Department on 22nd May. The regional office will soon discuss this letter with the council's officers. Local authorities are in regular contact with the Department on housing matters, including mortgage lending.

39. Mr. MacKay

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the availability of building society mortgages for house buyers; and if he will review his policy of restricting building society Ioans.

51. Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about Government policy on the granting of Ioans by building societies.

60. Mr. Bendall

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the recent rises in the bank rate and the announcement on 10th March that the council of the Building Societies Association's joint advisory committee on mortgage finance had agreed to reduce the housing Ioans by 10 per cent. from 1st April, he will now consider asking it to reverse the reduction in view of the fact that the banks are now attracting moneys away from the building societies.

Mr. Shore

I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing) on 9th June.—[Vol. 951, c.254–5.]