§ 12. Mr. Probertasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many houses were completed in Wales in 1967 in comparison with the average number completed from 1960 to 1964; and how many houses he estimates will be completed this year.
§ Mr. Ifor Davies20,158 houses were completed in 1967, which compares with an annual average of 14,486 in the years from 1960 to 1964, an increase of 39 per cent. It is too early to say how many houses will be completed this year; but my right hon. Friend is very confident that the very high record of achievement over the past few years will be continued this year.
§ Mr. ProbertWhile congratulating my hon. Friend on those excellent figures, may I ask him to take into account the fact that in Wales there are very many structurally sound houses which could be brought up to modern standards? Will he, therefore, publicise the excellent facilities announced in the Government White Paper entitled "Old Houses into New Homes"?
§ Mr. DaviesYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend is taking note of the point. He is emphasising the needs of the older 1289 housing areas in Wales. The new proposals outlined in the White Paper have been very well received.
§ Mr. AndersonIn view of the substantial progress to which my hon. Friend has drawn attention, does the Welsh Office consider that, in the foreseeable future, the back of the housing problem in the Principality can be broken?
§ Mr. DaviesWe look forward with confidence to achieving that result.