asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a further allocation of £100,000 for the use of St. Albans City Council in the granting of loans to would-be purchasers of housing blighted by the Central Area Plan.

My right hon. Friend has now made a further allocation to St. Albans City Council of £39,500.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that both the city council and I are most grateful for this additional help? Is he further aware that the plan does, however, cause blight to a number of dwellings and that there is considerable hardship even now? Is there any possibility of being able to increase this amount later?

Not in the foreseeable future, although we shall do what we can when we can. All hon. Members realise the bounds set to public expenditure.