§ 30. Mr. M. Stewartasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what new steps he will take to assist people desiring to become owner-occupiers of their homes.
§ Sir K. JosephI have no proposals to put forward at present.
§ Mr. StewartCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to make proposals? Is he aware that the rising prices of houses is progressivaly making it more and more difficult for people who wish to become owner-occupiers, and that some sort of policy is needed?
§ Sir K. JosephI think that my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary has said that my predecessor had turned his attention to the question of productivity in the building industry. I think this is a sphere to which we could look, together with standardisation, to secure lower costs.
§ Mr. MacDermotWill the Minister undertake to look into the question of leasehold enfranchisement at an early date? Is he aware that this aspect of owner-occupation has become increasingly urgent as the leases fall in?
§ Sir K. JosephI am sure that in my capacity as Minister for Welsh Affairs I cannot possibly avoid this very important and urgent matter.