§ 26. Mr. Hayasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in view of the answer given by his predecessor on 11th February, 1954, he will now say what is his estimate of the proportion of houses built for letting by private builders in 1954.
§ Mr. DeedesThe information on which my right hon. Friend's predecessor's estimate was based has not been available since the end of 1953. No estimate can, therefore, be made for 1954.
§ Mr. HayCan my hon. Friend be more specific? I am asking for some very important information. What is the basis on which the former Minister of Housing and Local Government was able to give the information which is not now available?
§ Mr. DeedesI have not the basis of that information. The conditions which governed licences were altered at the beginning of 1954.This information could not be obtained while licensing continued, until November, 1954, so we have no means of making an estimate.