HC Deb 24 May 1966 vol 729 c249
10. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a statement on the progress being made by private housing associations in England and Wales in providing accommodation to rent.

Mr. Crossman

During 1965 housing associations of all types completed 3,837 new houses and flats in England and Wales compared with 1,561 in 1962, 1,925 in 1963 and 2,852 in 1964. The figures are therefore rising steadily. Precise figures of the numbers that were built for renting in each year are not available but they were between 85 per cent. and 90 per cent. of the total.

Mr. Iremonger

In view of the encouraging progress being made, will the right hon. Gentleman start considering bringing to an end the whole policy of local authority housing, and divert his energies to private housing associations?

Mr. Crossman

No, Sir.