HC Deb 13 December 1962 vol 669 cc556-7
6. Mr. Boyden

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will undertake a survey of land prices obtaining in different parts of the United Kingdom.

Sir K. Joseph

No, Sir.

Mr. Boyden

Does the right hon. Gentleman know the average sort of price obtaining in areas where there is extensive development? If he does, would he consider publishing it?

Sir K. Joseph

That could be done only by means of an elaborate survey, and there is no need to have a survey to show that prices are higher in the prosperous areas and not so high in areas of less prosperity.

Mr. Boyden

How can the right hon. Gentleman plan a massive building programme if he does not know and the public does not know the price of land in these areas?

Sir K. Joseph

Because demand is very high. If the credit arrangements can be made satisfactory and the land realised, I am satisfied that a massive building programme will continue as one already exists.

Mr. MacColl

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, although no doubt it is true that prices in prosperous areas are higher than they are in less prosperous areas, it is true that even in the less prosperous areas they have gone up astronomically, and that that is a big handicap to all local authority building? Will he not at least try to find out the facts before he makes a policy for housing?

Sir K. Joseph

I do not see the need for an overall survey. I am very ready to consider the problems in any particular area of which I am not aware where a local authority is restrained by the price of land. If any local authority feels itself restrained by the price of land and nothing else, I am sure that it will get in touch with me.