§ 42. Mr. John D. Grantasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what new policy moves he will initiate to check the rise in the price of new private houses.
§ Mr. ChannonThe best hope for an easier market lies in increasing the sup- 404 ply of houses for sale. In 1971 completions in the private sector were nearly 13 per cent. up and starts about 26 per cent. up on 1970.
There is every reason to hope for continuation of this rising trend.
§ Mr. GrantWill the Minister make it clear to his right hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Construction that he is a calamity and a catastrophe, at least for Cupid? Young couples are being completely priced out of the market for new houses. The forecast was made this week of the £20,000 semi-detached house, which does not seem far off now that prices are rising at about 20 per cent. a year under the present Government. Again, when are we to get action and when will the Government accept their responsibility in the matter, or do they still say that competition will deal with this?
§ Mr. ChannonThe hon. Member is talking sheer nonsense. Private sector starts and completions are both on a rising trend and I hope to have the hon. Member's support for more private houses in London as well as elsewhere.