§ Mr. PatchettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence his Department has as to the122W effect of Government cutbacks on local authority finance on the ability of councils to carry out essential repairs to their housing stock; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveLocal authorities' expenditure on the renovation of their housing stock, which includes all major repairs, has increased every year since 1981–82. We have provided for a further increase in 1988–89 of more than 11 per cent. over the estimated outturn for the current year.