XN000022-1973-02-14 — Page 10

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Wednesday, February 14, 1973

Mr. Lightbody said that this deficit would have to be covered

temporarily by grants from general revenue, "but the new Authority will have

to consider how this unsatisfactory state of affairs should be put right."

The Authority's squatter control and squatter clearance activities

would be financed by outright grants from general revenue.

Mr. Lightbody said that the new Authority would have to keep the

Government continually informed on its forward spending plans because of the

Authority's heavy demands on general revenue for its large building programme.

Building Programme

This was to ensure that the earliest notice could be given to the

Authority of any cut-back in funds, which could have "the most serious consequences"

for its housing programme.

Mr. Lightbody added that "we must make sure that time is never lost in

the ten-year building programme."

The bill proposes a maximum of 20 seats on the new Housing Authority,

of which up to 13 are to be occupied by unofficial members.

Of these unofficial seats, eight are to be filled by members of the

Urban Council appointed on a personal basis.

Mr. Lightbody said this provision reflected the long experience of

Urban Councillors in public housing affairs and their continuing interest in

this field of endeavour.

"To ensure the necessary departmental involvement in and commitment

to the Authority's endeavours, the bill proposes an official membership of six,

with the Secretary for Housing as Chairman," he said. All members are to be

appointed by the Governor.

"It is

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