14. Earl of Dalkeithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average cost of building a four-apartment house in Scotland in 1964; and what was the average cost of building a similar house in 1968.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonThe average cost of building all types of four-apartment houses in the public sector, inclusive of land, site development and servicing and fees, was about £3,300 in 1964 and £4,400 in 1968. The increase in the average was caused by differences in the standards, type and location of houses as well as by increases in building costs.
Earl of DalkeithIs it not rather absurd that at a time when it is obviously necessary to cut down the cost of housing as much as possible the Government should be deliberately putting it up, as we have seen from this substantial increase, by such things as S.E.T.?
§ Dr. MabonThe hon. Member has not given the factors their due weight. There are many factors. One which is significant and which we should all welcome is that some houses now have partial or complete central heating. Another is that there are far better housing layouts. These things are expensive.
§ Mr. LawsonCan my hon. Friend give us some information about earlier years and say what the cost was in 1960, for example?
§ Dr. MabonThe best estimate I have from the Department of the comparable cost in 1960 is slightly over £2,000. In other words, from 1960 to 1964 the increase was £1,300; our increase from 1964 to 1968 has been £1,100.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellSurely it is pathetic for the Government to blame this increase upon central heating. Most of the increase has been the result of deliberate Government action, such as Selective Employment Tax, increased transport costs and the effects of devaluation.
§ Mr. SpeakerQuestions should be questions and not statements.
§ Dr. MabonWe are used to the hon. Gentleman's sweeping statements, but that was arrogance born of ignorance.