§ 29. Mr. McEnteeasked the Minister of Health whether he can give figures for England and Wales showing the percentage rise in the prices of the materials used in the construction of working-class houses, the percentage rise in the wages of building trade workers, and the percentage increase in tenders for this class of house for one year to the latest possible date?
§ The Minister of Health (Sir Kingsley Wood)The estimated percentage rise in the prices of materials used in the construction of a working-class house for the three months ended 31st March last as compared with a similar period a year previous is 7.0. The estimated percentage rise in the cost of labour used in a working-class house over the same periods is 2.8. The percentage increase on the average tender price of a non-parlour working-class house over the same period is 8.7.
§ Mr. McEnteeIn view of the disparity between the rise in materials and wages on the one hand and the rise in prices for houses, will the Minister take action to prevent a rise in prices over and above the rise in wages and materials?
§ Sir K. WoodPossibly the hon. Member will recollect that I dealt with this matter on the Estimates for my Department.
§ Mr. MaxtonWill the right hon. Gentleman point out to his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland that the rise in England is considerably less than it is in Scotland, and ask him whether he will do something in the matter?
§ Sir K. WoodI am always very glad to make observations to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. MaxtonWill the right hon. Gentleman make a special point of this?