asked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning what representations he has received during the past month on the shortage of smokeless fuel, and its effect upon clean-air policy; and what replies he has sent.

I have been urgently examining with my right hon. Friends the Paymaster-General and the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps may be necessary to safeguard our clean-air policy, and I hope we shall be in a position to make a statement very soon. Meanwhile, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government has during the last month received requests for suspension orders from 13 local authorities which he has approved or is about to approve; and appropriate replies are being sent to the 25 other letters received from hon. Members and local authorities.

asked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning when he will publish further proposals for reforming the rate system.

asked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning when he now expects to publish the Government's proposals to reform local government finance.

As foreshadowed in the White Paper on the Reform of Local Government in England, a Green Paper on local government finance will be published. This will include proposals for reforming the rating system.

asked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning what representations have been made to his Department on the need for a Local Government Ombudsman.

The Government have already taken the initiative in proposing an ombudsman system for local government, and consultations with the local authority associations have begun on the basis of the proposals outlined in the White Paper on Local Government Reform.

asked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning what steps he intends to take to increase the acreage of derelict land reclaimed by local authorities outside the intermediate areas covered by Circular 17/70 and the Local Employment Act, 1970.

The Government want to see an intensive drive on derelict land reclamation mainly, but not only, in the areas where grants of 85 per cent. and 75 per cent. are payable. The Ministry of Housing and Local Government will now be approaching local authorities in the other areas, where 50 per cent. grants are payable, to encourage them to tackle the problem systematically.

asked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning if he will make a statement on the functions of the new Central Group for Derelict Land Clearance.

The tasks of the new central group will be to keep progress under continuous review; to act as a clearing house for information and advice; and generally to ensure that Government, industry and local authorities to do everything necessary to prevent and remove dereliction.

asked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning what increase in expenditure on derelict land clearance he expects in England over the next few years.

I estimate that grant-aided expenditure by local authorities on derelict land clearance in England will be about £3 million in the current financial year, as against £2 million last year. I hope to see this expenditure rise to £6 million in 1973–74.

asked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning if he will consult with the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs regarding the creation of an expert working group under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on problems of pollution, with a view to harmonising national policies in this field.

The O.E.C.D. has for some time had several expert working groups on the scientific aspects of pollution. The organisation is now preparing, with our full participation, to undertake important new work on the economic aspects.

asked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning when he proposes to hold the first meeting of the Advisory Council on Noise; and if he will make a statement.

I presided at the first meeting of the council on 21st April. The council decided to start with a broad review of all the major sources of noise pollution and of abatement measures, and to devote its next three meetings to noise from aircraft, road vehicles and industry. Meanwhile a special sub-committee will review current programmes of research into noise and consider whether there is a need for further studies.

asked the Secretary of State for Local Government and Regional Planning what progress is being made to establish the joint working party of the Ministries of Housing and Local Government and of Transport on the use of colliery waste as fill for road building.

Arrangements are well advanced. The first meeting will be held later this month.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he is taking to encourage local authorities to maintain a better balance of housing provision by building for owner-occupation, as well as for tenants, in old urban renewal areas.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will take steps to encourage local authorities to build houses for owner-occupation by families moving from redevelopment and slum clearance areas.

We are pressing local authorities to proceed with urban renewal and slum clearance and are now examining the returns to a recent circular inquiry. How to meet the needs and demand for owner-occupation in renewal areas is a complex question which we are examining in the Department, but in exceptional circumstances local authorities may submit proposals to build for owner-occupation in such areas.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will set up an independent inquiry to inquire into the proper use of the building regulations in relation to the freedom for designers to design as they think fit.

No; the requirements of the building regulations, including the most recent amendment, can be met in various ways, and impose no more restraint than seems warranted in the interests of public health and safety.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will refer the 42 per cent. increase in the water rate proposed to be charged by the Cotswold Water Board to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

I understand that the water board has raised the water rates this year by between 33⅓ per cent. and 37½ per cent. While these increases are relatively large, my right hon. Friend has no evidence that the criteria for price increases have been disregarded and he does not propose to refer them to the Prices and Incomes Board.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government in view of the fact that stocks of bricks are now estimated at 1,090 million, resulting in the closure of brickworks, that the waiting lists for houses are increasing and that mortgage availability for prospective owner-occupier is in a ratio of one in two, whether he will reconstruct housing policies to raise completions of houses during the year ending 5th April, 1971. to 500,000.

I do not know of any evidence for the second and third of the hon. Member's assumptions. Measures taken by the Government will ensure that again in 1970 housing completions will exceed any annual total achieved by the Opposition during their 13 years of office, with the possible exception of the Election year 1964.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will initiate an inquiry into the cause of the decline in the rate of house building.

The variations of performance in house building are the subject of continuing inquiry, and action by me.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will introduce amending clear air legislation to compensation house occupiers in smoke control areas and elsewhere, who have installed smokeless solid fuel appliances, including central heating systems, and incurred an increase in the rateable values of their respective hereditaments on account of these improvements which cannot now be used properly due to non-availability of smokeless fuel.

No. Rateable values are based on the annual rental values of property. I am advised that temporary difficulties in obtaining suitable fuel for heating appliances would not normally affect rental values.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many smoke control orders have been deferred; what recent guidance he has given to local authorities as a consequence of the shortage of solid smokeless fuel; and if he will make a statement.

Local authorities have discretionary power to defer the coming into operation of smoke control orders for up to 12 months without reference to me. They know that I am ready to give sympathetic consideration to applications for the suspension of smoke control in particular areas, and I have not considered it necessary to issue any special guidance recently.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many general improvement areas have been declared by the Greater London Council and London Boroughs under the Housing Act, 1969.

Seven improvement areas involving 1,661 dwellings have been declared by London borough councils; none by the Greater London Council.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a statement on the progress made by local authorities in declaring improvement areas under Part 2 of the Housing Act, 1969.

So far 40 local authorities in England have declared 49 general improvement areas. This is an encouraging start, and we expect more such areas to be declared during the year.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the latest figure for the average period between the starting and completion of a new house; and what was this period in 1964.

The estimated timelag from start to completion in Great Britain, at the end of March this year, was 16·9 months for public sector dwellings and 13·4 months for private dwellings. At the end of March, 1964, the lags were estimated to be 15·3 and 9·8 months, respectively.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) when he expects tenders to be approved by the London Borough of Brent for the 1970 housing programme of 2,000 dwellings notified to him when his Joint Parliamentary Secretary met council representatives in February;(2) what proposals he has received from the London Borough of Brent to increase its housing programme in 1971 and subsequent years; and if he will make a statement.

The council now expects to put 1,018 dwellings to tender in 1970, many of which are backlog from previous programmes. For 1971 it now expects 1,400 dwellings to be put to tender, mostly backlog from 1969 to 1970 programmes. I understand that it does not at present propose any further building after that.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what proposals he has received from outer London boroughs, with relatively little or no local demand, for them to build to rehouse families from overcrowded inner London boroughs; and if he will make a statement.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what proposals he has received from the Greater London Council for building homes in outer London boroughs to receive families from inner London where large areas need clearance, redevelopment, improvements and reduction in congestion and overcrowding; and if he will make a statement.

No proposals have been received specifically for this purpose; the inner London boroughs nominate tenants to a pool of housing maintained by the G.L.C. throughout London in which some 6,700 tenancies are available for letting this year, 750 contributed by the outer borough councils and the remainder by the G.L.C. A much larger contribution from outer London to the needs of inner London families will be needed.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what representations he has received from the Greater London Council regarding difficulties over purchase for housing purposes of land held by Her Majesty's Government, nationalised industries and other statutory bodies; and what replies he has sent.

There have been discussions with representatives of the local authorities, including the Greater London Council, about the working of the general arrangements under which authorities are offered land surplus to the needs of the nationalised industries, and about the application of these arrangements to the special circumstances of the Greater London Area. The Department has also been involved from time to time in helping to settle cases of difficulty; if my hon. Friend has a particular case in mind I shall be glad to look into it.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what plans the Greater London Council has submitted to him for residential development of the Surrey Docks site; what representations he has received from that authority on this matter; and if he will make a statement.

None. I understand that the Greater London Council, with the assistance of the London Boroughs of Southwark and Lewisham and the Port of London Authority, is currently undertaking detailed studies of the land use possibilities for this area.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he is taking to encourage better play provision for children in housing schemes.

The cost of such provision up to standards based on the Parker Morris report is accepted for subsidy in higher density schemes; further research is continuing and the results will be published as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the estimated number of housing improvements and conversions under the Housing Act, 1969, to be undertaken by the Greater London Council, boroughs and housing associations in Great London in 1970–71.

It is too early to judge the effect in London of the higher levels of assistance in the Housing Act, 1969, and so to make a reliable forecast. The new measures are already beginning to show results, but a greater number is expected next year as programmes of improvement under the Act develop.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many sub-standard privately-owned dwellings have been renovated and improved with Government assistance since October, 1964; what was the corresponding figure for the comparable period before that date; and what has been the total financial contribution by Government and local councils, respectively, to such improvement in each of the two periods specified.

Grants have been approved for the improvement of some 409,000 private dwellings in England and Wales since October, 1964. The figure for the preceding comparable period was 396,000.Grants approved came to approximately £79·7 million and £67·4 million respectively. Government contributions amount to 75 per cent. of local authorities' loan charges arising. In other words, Government contributions would represent about £59·8 million and £50·5 million of the totals approved; and the local authorities' share, £19·9 million and £16·9 million.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Govern- ment what proposals he has received from the London Borough of Havering to increase its house building programme in 1971 and subsequent years; and if he will make a statement.

None. Indeed, all the indications are that the council proposes to reduce its level of building considerably. I am most concerned at this and wish to discuss the position fully with council representatives at a meeting arranged for later this month.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what proposals he has received from the London Borough of Ealing to increase its house-building programme in 1971–74; and if he will make a statement.

We have just received proposals by the council. It tells us that 262 dwellings will go to tender this year, 1,142 in 1971, 584 in 1972 and 110 in 1973, after which it does not propose to build on any new sites. This programme includes a considerable backlog from 1968–69 and is well below the 1965–68 achievement of about 3,000. In view of past uncertainties it is too early to make a statement.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the total in Government support grant to local authorities between 1965 and 1969, inclusive; and what was the figure between 1960 and 1964.

The rate support grant for the three years from 1967–68 together with corresponding grants for the previous two years amounted to £6,477 million. The comparable figure for the five years from 1960–61 to 1964–65 was £3,776 million.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the average period which he requires to consider his inspector's report after a public inquiry.

The average period between the inquiry and the decision on a planning appeal is currently 15 weeks.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will take steps to give speedier decisions after public planning inquiries.

The most direct way of speeding decisions is to transfer as many appeals as possible for decision by inspectors. On average, appeals decided by inspectors, over 40 per cent. of the total, are being dealt with within six weeks of the date of the inquiry, compared with 15 weeks for other cases. As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Kirkdale (Mr. Dunn), on 7th April, I am considering extending the transfer of appeals to inspectors so that about 60 per cent. will be covered.—[Vol. 799, c. 222.]

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what proposals he has received from the London Borough of Haringey to increase its housing programme in the years 1970 to 1974; and if he will make a statement.

None. It has halved its programme. My right hon. Friend urged it to expand or at least maintain the council's original programme of 900 to 1,000 dwellings started per year, bringing in housing associations as a nett addition, but this it was not prepared to do. It has, however, guaranteed that the previous programme will be maintained by council building and housing association building taken together. We shall look to it to honour this promise.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many council dwellings have been demolished in the past five years under the slum clearance programme; and how many are now scheduled for replacement in the forthcoming year.

In the five years to the end of 1969 some 11,600 council-owned dwellings were demolished after being certified unfit by medical officers of health. I do not have figures for 1970, but on past experience the number will be a very small proportion of total clearance programmes.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that many fit houses become derelict through being kept empty; and if he will conduct a pilot survey to ascertain the number of empty houses.

In the case of fit properties compulsorily bought by local authorities in areas of redevelopment, my right hon. Friend wrote to local authorities in London, the most affected area, in July, 1969 urging them to use such properties for temporary housing. Where there are large numbers of private properties standing empty for long periods, it is possible for local authorities to purchase them, or to assist housing associations to do so. This is particularly desirable in connection with improvements policy under the Housing Act, 1969. I do not think a pilot survey would reveal figures of national application.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a statement on his latest discussions with the Hounslow Borough Council about the disruption to the council's housebuilding programme caused by the delay in restarting work at the Ivy Bridge site.

The Ivy Bridge flats were due to be completed late last year, but it is still too early to say how far the council's housing programme as a whole will be disrupted by the delays on the scheme. My hon. Friend will be aware of the current litigation.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what proportion of the number of houses presently under construction is being built by the voluntary housing movement.

Three per cent. at the end of March, 1970.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he is taking to increase the house-building programmes in the new towns in 1970 to 1974.

The corporations are well aware of the need to press on with building to meet requirements as they arise. I expect a substantial increase over the years 1970 to 1974, due in part to production in new towns recently designated or expanded.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what proposals he has now received from the Greater London Council for the house-building programme in 1970 to 1974; and if he will make a statement.

The Greater London Council decided in January this year to reduce its agreed programmes in the immediate future from 9,000 a year to 7,000. In the years 1972–73 and 1973–74 its programmes drop still further to 6,750 and 6,250 respectively. I met the Leader of the Council before this decision was made and urged on him that the council should maintain its target of at least 9,000 dwellings a year at any rate for the time being, and I regret that this has not been done.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is now able to estimate the amount by which new house prices will rise during 1970.

No.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what estimate he has made of the probable change in the price of the average-priced new house in 1970; and what change occurred in 1969.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen) on 10th February, 1970.—[Vol. 795, c. 308.]

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will estimate what proportion of the average industrial wage is taken up by a 90 per cent, mortgage over 20 years on a new house at the present average price.

The gross mortgage repayments on the basis given would be 35·5 per cent. of the average industrial wage for 1969. If the mortgagee advanced 2¾ times the mortgagor's annual income, an average industrial wage earner could take up a 20-year 90 per cent. advance on a new house costing £3,950. About 40 per cent. of new houses mortgaged to building societies in 1969 were sold at or below this figure.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the average rate of interest paid on mortgages taken out since the interest rate was increased to 8½ per cent.

I do not have an average figure; but most building society mortgages are at the Building Societies Association's recommended rate of 8½ per cent. The corresponding net rate on option mortgages is 6 per cent., and for standard rate taxpayers about 5¾ per cent.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many local authority mortgages were given in each year since 1964; and what is his estimate for 1970.

Starting from the year 1964, the annual numbers for England and Wales were 77,000, 87,000, 46,000, 57,000. 39,000 and 19,000 respectively. I estimate that the number this year will be something over 50,000.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will initiate talks with the Building Societies Association with a view to taking steps to reduce the mortgage interest rates in the light of recent reductions in bank rate.

My right hon. Friend is in continual contact with the Building Societies Association and has no doubt that it is aware of the desirability of reducing the recommended mortgage interest rate as soon as this can be done without reducing the flow of investment with building societies.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of recent reductions in Bank Rate, he will now take steps to secure a reduction of house mortgage interest rates to approximately three and a half per cent.

Mortgage interest rates are dependent on a number of factors of which Bank Rate is only one.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will now introduce legislation to make increased assessments for rating on account of installation of central heating apply only after sale of the hereditament by an owner-occupier who installed the central heating.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 16th December, 1969 to the Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Bebington (Mr. Brooks).—[Vol. 793, c. 268.]

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will introduce legislation to enable him to pay grants to assist householders living in smokeless zones to convert solid fuel-burning central heating installations to electricity, gas, or oil-burning.

I should not be justified in seeking such powers.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will seek powers to prevent the circularisation of political leaflets with other material by local authorities.

My right hon. Friend does not think such powers are necessary.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will now give an assurance that the municipal associations and the local authorities concerned have informed him of their approval of the settlement of matters connected with the 50 per cent. financial reimbursement to local authorities for costs towards the strengthening of tower blocks resultant upon the Ronan Point disaster.

The local authority representatives pressed for more generous terms of grant than are now set out in Circular 29/70. But I am satisfied that the grant settlement reasonably reflects the Government's share of the responsibility for the financial consequences of the need to strengthen high blocks.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of the costs which will fall on the ratepapers as a result of his decision about allocating costs of strengthening tower blocks, he will introduce legislation to provide that the money for these projects can be borrowed at nominal rates of interest.

No. The grant arrangements set out in Circular 29/70 provide in general for a reasonable Government contribution.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will take steps to promote indoor ice skating in provincial cities.

This is a matter for the local authorities concerned or for commercial companies which provide such facilities.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will list the indoor swimming pools constructed and operated by local authorities either completed or under construction, stating the capital cost, operating cost, and annual subsidy borne by local authorities in each case and in total.

I regret that this information is not available.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many old-age pensioners who will receive tax allowances as a result of the Budget will have their rate rebate allowances reduced, and by how much.

None. Rate rebates are assessed on gross income and are therefore unaffected by tax changes.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will introduce legislation to allow reduction of rates on property that is continually flooded owing to the inability of the river authority to take remedial action.

Rating assessments are based on the rental value of property. A property which is subject to a regular flood risk would on that account command a lower rent and hence would have a lower rating assessment. In the circumstances I do not think there is any need for legislation on the point.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what advice he has given to housing authorities about making grants for the improvement of property which will be used solely for holiday purposes or for holiday lettings.

This is for the local authority's discretion on the merits of particular applications.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he has yet received the desk study on the feasibility of a Wash Barrage; and when it is expected that he will be able to publish the report.

The Water Resources Board hopes to complete its report before August. It will then arrange for it to be published, but I cannot yet say how long that will take.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the estimated rate support grant paid by the Government to the London Borough of Wandsworth in ing figure in 1963–64.

The latest estimate of the rate support grants for the Wandsworth London Borough Council for 1969–70 is £5,153,454. This is the amount remaining after transfer of £3,032,374 to the Greater London Council, with a consequent reduction in its precept on Inner London.Because of the reorganisation of London Government from 1st April, 1965, comparable figures for 1963–64 are not available. In 1965–66 the grants superseded by rate support grant amounted to £4,418,179, excluding the school meals and milk grant, which was not payable to the Wandsworth London Borough Council.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what payment is being made to Sir Henry Wells upon his relinquishing his appointment as Chairman of the Land Commission on 30th June, 1970.

Sir Henry Wells is relinquishing his appointment at the end of his term of office, and there is no question of any special payment over and above his normal remuneration.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps are being taken by his Department to improve the national facilities for Rugby Union in Wales; and what grant is being given by the Government for that purpose.

The Government have offered a grant of £33,000 towards the cost of improving changing accommodation and the provision of undersoil heating for the pitch at Cardiff Arms Park, and, of course, grant for administration and coaching continues to be given annually to the Welsh governing bodies of sport, including the Welsh Rugby Union.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what progress has been made by local authorities in implementing the recommendations contained in his circular on Building by Direct Labour Organisations, No. 57/69.

It may be some time, however, before the full effects of this and of other approaches on the same subject become apparent but if the hon. Member has any reason to think that local authorities are ignoring the advice contained in this circular perhaps he would send me details.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether local authority applications for sewerage scheme grants or loans are made in any way conditions upon a long-term policy for the full treatment of sewerage; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend would only sanction a loan or grant for an inland sewerage scheme if full treatment were provided for the sewage before it was discharged to a non-tidal river. With discharges to the sea or to estuaries the important point is usually the distance from land at which the discharge takes place.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that the amount of litter in public places has increased in recent years; whether he will consult local authorities, with a view to arrangements for such litter being collected and disposed of; whether he will require them to review their arrangements for the provision of litter baskets and whether he will make a statement.

I agree that a deplorable amount of litter is left about. Propaganda about tidiness is given out in schools, and by the Keep Britain Tidy Group, which the Government help financially. Local authorities have adequate powers, and the results of consultations are to be found in the report of the Working Party on Refuse Collection. I should judge it wrong for central government to give local authorities orders on the subject.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what proposals he has received from the Stockport Corporation in respect of their housing programme for 1970 to 1975.

I understand that Stockport Corporation hopes to put 170 dwellings out to contract between now and the end of 1972 and that of these it proposes to put out 134 this year. I have as yet been informed of no proposals for the later years.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the number of housing units completed in Stockport in the private sector in each of the calendar years 1964 to 1969; and how many of these were for rent and how many for sale.

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, publish them in the OFFICIAL REPORT. These range from 365 to 193 completions per year. None of these dwellings is known to have been built for letting.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the total amount of building land sold by local authorities during the financial year 1969–70; what was the capital value of this land; and how many local authorities sold such land.

This information is not available.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of the pollution caused by the dispersal of fly ash from Ferrybridge power stations; and whether he will take action with the Central Electricity Generating Board to ensure cleaner atmosphere and environment in the area.

I am aware of complaints of spillage from C.E.G.B. contractors' lorries; but I am assured that the board is co-operating with the local authority, which is responsible for the abatement of statutory nuisances, in seeking a solution.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what advice he is giving to local authorities on the adjustment of rents on decimalisation; and whether he will make a statement.

Last September my right hon. Friend advised authorities that the change to decimal currency might best be combined with any necessary change in inclusive rents in 1970–71. He reminded them that the change need only involve very small alterations in weekly payments and that these could be rounded down as well as up.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he intends to take following the Report by the Countryside Commission on Nature Conservation at the Coast.

This report was prepared for the Countryside Commission, which, at the request of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and myself, is undertaking a comprehensive study on coastal protection. The commission will itself take its report into account in making its recommendations, which we expect to receive later this year.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the total amount of Government money loaned to the London Borough of Brent for the building of the Chalkhill Estate; what additional grant was made; and if he will make a statement.

The council has been granted loan sanctions in the total sum of £8,305,850 to enable it to build the Chalkhill Estate.The great bulk of annual Exchequer subsidy is not yet due, but early payments have totalled some £41,600.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) what amount of public money has been given annually to Brighton for the purposes of mortgage finance for the years 1959 to date;(2) what was the amount of money given in each year since 1958 to Brighton Corporation for the purposes of house purchase, and the number of mortgages provided.

The table sets out the amounts which have been lent by the Brighton County Borough Council for house purchase since 1962–63 and the number of mortgages which have been given since 1967–68. I regret that the information about numbers of mortgages for earlier years is not readily available:

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a statement on the use of pitch fibre pipes in the construction of tall flats.

The building regulations in England and Wales are not contravened by the use of pitch fibre pipes for soil stacks in tall buildings; tests have shown that such pipes are not a fire hazard provided they are properly encased in fire-resisting material.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will list the grants made to sports centres or sports buildings in the last five years.

I regret that this information is not available. I am, however, sending the hon. Member a copy of the Sports Council Review, 1966–69, which lists (in Appendix D) by different sports the amount of capital grant given to voluntary organisations in England and Wales and Scotland in each of the four years ending 1968–69. Comparable figures for 1969–70 will be published as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will obtain and publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT, for the Birkenhead County Borough and the Bebington Municipal Borough, respectively, the numbers of council house applicants recorded in each of the past six years, and the numbers of families who moved into council dwellings during each of those years.

The keeping of waiting lists and selection of tenants are vested

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will obtain, for each of the county and municipal boroughs in the Mersey. side conurbation, the total number of families who were evicted during 1969 from council dwellings, and the number who were specifically evicted for nonpayment of rent.

The information is not available within the Department but could be obtained by my hon. Friend's inquiring directly of the authorities concerned.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what were the contributions to rates provided by each privately operated indoor ice rink in the country and in total.

The figures for for England and Wales for 1969–70 are as follows:

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he expects the current revision of the lists of buildings of historic and architectural value to be complete.

In about 15 to 20 years.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) what plans he has for the protection of buildings in conservation areas at present listed as grade III;(2) what record will be kept of buildings of special architectural or historic interest, other than those on the stautory list, following the abolition of the grade III list.

The Historic Building Council's Listing Committee recommended that, as the statutory lists of buildings of architectural or historic interest are reviewed, buildings in Grade III should either be included in the statutory lists or brought to the attention of local planning authorities for inclusion in lists of buildings of local importance to be kept by them. Discussions have already been arranged with representatives of the local authorities on how this recommendation might be implemented. These discussions will include consideration of how local planning authorities might make use of the proposed local lists in the exercise of their planning functions, both generally and in conservation areas. Local planning authorities are already required by the Civic Amenities Act, 1967, to pay special attention to the need to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of such areas.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many investigators of historic buildings there are; how many vacant posts there are; and what proposals he has for increasing the number.

Nineteen, of whom nine were added in March, 1968 and March, 1969. There are no vacancies and I have no proposals at present for further increasing the number.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what plans he has for publishing in a permanent format the list of buildings of historic and architectural interest as the revision of the lists proceeds.

I hope that from about July, 1970, onwards statutory lists, issued for each local authority area as it is reviewed, will be in a new form. The statutory lists will include gradings and descriptions of buildings in the general form previously included in the provisional lists, and where appropriate a general introduction describing the buildings of the area as a whole. Each list will be bound in a simple, standard form. A copy of each list will continue to be placed on deposit for inspection by the public, at the offices of local authorities, and will also be supplied to the national and local preservation societies and to newspapers circulating in the area. Arrangements for the sale of lists to the public generally are under consideration.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he has taken or is considering steps to give priority to the revision of the official lists of buildings of historic or architectural interest in conservation areas.

Priority in the revision of lists is given to historic towns and those areas where unrevised lists are most out-of-date or otherwise in need of revision. Because of the geographical spread of conservation areas, which now number nearly 900 in England, it would be impracticable to give priority to them as such. However, in addition to conservation areas in the priority areas mentioned, opportunity is taken to revise the lists in any conservation area which is being surveyed for a town scheme under the Historic Buildings Council.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what study he has made of the use of trees planted in shelter belts as a means of noise reduction.

Studies in the United Kingdom and overseas show that only wide belts of trees appreciably reduce traffic noise levels as measured; but when the source of noise is concealed, people appear to find it less of a nuisance.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what plans he has for encouraging planning authorities to increase public awareness about the conservation areas which they have designated; and in particular whether he will encourage authorities to publish handbooks describing listed buildings, conservation areas and the authority's policy towards them.

Publicity for individual conservation areas is primarily the responsibility of local planning authorities in collaboration with appropriate local voluntary bodies such as amenity societies. I know that a number of authorities already publish some booklets and the Ministry will continue to encourage their production. Advice on publicity for conservation areas will be considered for inclusion in a future circular.The Department is collaborating with the Civic Trust on ways of increasing public awareness of conservation areas and of measures to enhance their character.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when the study made by the Water Resources Board on Wales and the Midlands will be published.

I understand that the board hopes to complete its study early in 1971 and to publish its report as soon as possible thereafter.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the net rate of interest paid by the Birmingham Corporation on money borrowed from the Government in 1969–70 to finance its housebuilding programmes of 1965–66 and 1966–67, respectively.

Birmingham Corporation did not borrow from the Public Works Loans Board in 1969 for expenditure on houses completed in 1965–66 and 1966–67.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will now bring forward the date that landlords can apply for fair rent provisions on their controlled property from June, 1971, to June, 1970.

No. The first date on which a rent controlled property which already had all the standard amenities can come within the system of rent regulation, under which a landlord can apply for the registration of a fair rent, is 1st January, 1971, 1st July, 1971, or 1st January, 1972, according to the rateable value. My right hon. Friend has no plans for bringing these dates forward.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will recommend the appointment of a Royal Commission on housing finance, to examine the general rationale and efficacy of the various subsidies which are presently paid to the owner-occupier and the tenant of private or public landlord, and to report on the role of such subsidies in meeting the housing objectives of the next decade.

The review of housing finance on which I am engaged is a more appropriate method of examining the financial aspects of housing policy than a Royal Commission.

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the number of new housing units in the public sector, commenced in each calendar year from 1964 to 1969.

As the answer contains a number of figures I will, with permission, publish them in the OFFICIAL REPORT:

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he is satisfied with the present system of fixed price contracts for public works; and if he will make a statement.

Yes. I am satisfied that the general policy of firm price contracts is sound and should continue. Following the meeting with my National Consultative Council in March I am considering whether any changes are desirable in its detailed application.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has issued directives preventing joint stock banks from carrying out personal loan schemes similar to that recently announced by Giro and Mercantile Credit Limited; and if he will make a statement.

No. The joint stock banks, in common with other banks and large finance houses, including Mercantile Credit, have been asked not to relax their restrictions upon the availability of credit for personal spending.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sums have been made available to date through Treasury loans to the Council for Small Industries in rural areas; what loans have been made available by this Council for the assistance of rural hotels; and whether arrangements can be made when such loans are rejected for the reasons to be given.

Loan funds made available up to 31st March, 1970, from the Development Fund, with the approval of the Treasury, to the Council for Small Industries in rural areas have amounted to £1,564,500. Of this £1,050,000 has been for tourist enter- prises, including hotels, in rural parts of development areas. It is not the Council's practice to disclose the reasons for rejection of loan applications.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total annual revenue received by way of excise duties and company taxation, for the most recent convenient 12-month period, from the brewery companies with assets of £500,000 and more and net profits of £50,000 and more.

No separate figures are available for companies of different sizes. Net receipts of excise duty on beer in the calendar year 1969 were about £427 million. I will write to the hon. Member on the second part of his Question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is todays' value of £100 invested in 3½ per cent. War Loan when it was first issued.

The market value of £100 nominal of 3½ per cent. War Loan was £37 12s. 6d. at the close of business on 1st May, 1970.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what weekly wage is required in May, 1970, to enable a man to have the same standard of living as a man earning £20 a week in May, 1969.

£20 19s. 3d. for a married man with two young children (on the basis of the price index for March, 1970, which is the latest available).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the effect in 1970–71 of the Budget proposals on the weekly income of a married man with two children under 11 years of age earning £20 a week, net of family allowances; and what is the effect of a cut of 1s. in the standard rate of income tax, assuming that this is not an alternative to the Budget proposals.

An income tax reduction of about 3s. a week; and a further reduction of about 3s. 8d. a week.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the weekly benefit in 1970–71 from the reduction of 6d. in the standard rate of income tax for a married man with two children under 11 years of age with earnings per week, net of family allowances, of £20, £30, £40, £50, and £100, assuming this reduction not to have been made in place of the Budget proposals.

Is. 10d., 5s. 9d., 9s. 8d., 13s. 6d. and £1 14s. 3d., respectively.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present income tax liability per week for a widow with one child earning £9 per week; and what will be the weekly liability following the changes proposed in the Budget.

This depends on all the circumstances of the particular case. But on the assumption that the widow also receives National Insurance widow's benefit of £7 9s. a week, and that tax child allowance for a child under 11 and the additional personal allowance of £100 are due, the liability is about 22s. 6d. a week at present and will be reduced to about £ 1 a week under the Budget proposals.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the administrative cost to his Department and to taxpayers of issuing purchase tax certificates for one year only as opposed to issuing such certificates for a number of years.

I cannot make a realistic estimate of the difference in cost. However experience of the working of the present arrangement confirms that it represents a fair balance between administrative convenience and the need to safeguard the revenue, and I do not consider that any change is called for.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Government have concluded discussions with the Eire Government in regard to the further establishment of concession roads on the Fermanagh and Eire border; and if he will make a statement.

Discussions are still continuing, and I will let the hon. Member know the outcome as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many individuals were paying surtax in the years 1951, 1955, 1960, 1965 and 1969, respectively; and what was the total amount collected.

The estimated number of individuals liable to pay surtax in the financial years in question and the total amounts collected were:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the continuing concern of the motor manufacturers at the effect on the motor industry of the Government's policies, he will ease the restrictions on this industry.

I am aware of the manufacturers' concern; but as my right hon. Friend the Paymaster General told the House on 27th April, the minimum production target for 1970 set down in the E.D.C. Report on the industry is likely to be exceeded. I have no proposals for easing the restrictions at the present time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intends to revise the economic assessment to 1972 published in " The Task Ahead ".