HC Deb 14 March 1967 vol 743 c209
16. Mr. Murton

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will now make a statement on his discussions with representatives of the building societies regarding the level of mortgage advances in any one year.

Mr. Greenwood

The building societies estimate that their advances in 1967 will exceed £1,300 million. This is more than the record amount they lent in 1966. I shall be having further discussions with them very shortly.

Mr. Murton

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect a speech made by his predecessor on 6th October, 1965, in relation to house building and the general level of advances, in which he suggested that they should be regulated each year? If the right hon. Gentleman remembers it, in view of his reply, does he think that it is one of these new concepts which the right hon. Gentleman the Lord President has made which change from month to month?

Mr. Greenwood

I do not recollect the speech, but I shall look at it and profit from it, as I usually do from speeches by my right hon. Friend.