§ 16. Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will now seek to pay the grant which is available for the improvement of a dwelling to applicants who are willing to demolish theexisting structure and rebuild.
§ Mr. David MitchellIt would not be in accordance with the spirit and intent of grants legislation to act as the hon. Gentleman suggests.
To pay grants in the circumstances suggested would be analageous to a general subsidy to new building. With limited funds available any expenditure on new building or rebuilding must mean less of these resources for genuine improvement—one does not improve a house by knocking it down.