§ Q3. Mr. Laneasked the Prime Minister what further steps he is taking in the light of the discussion at the National Economic Development Council meeting on 16th December, to improve the co-ordination of Ministers concerned with the housing programme.
§ The Prime MinisterThere was in fact no such discussion. My right hon. Friends already work very closely together on this matter.
§ Mr. LaneEven if the expected discussion did not take place yesterday, is the Prime Minister satisfied with a situation in which about 150,000 families are still inadequately housed who by now would be adequately housed if the Government had fulfilled the housing programme which they promised at the General Election?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Gentleman, whilst regretting the fall in the housebuilding programme, should recognise that only once in their 13 years did 1546 the Tories do better than this year, and that was in the 1964 Election year.
§ Mr. Ronald AtkinsIs the Prime Minister aware of the statement by the Director-General of the N.E.D.C. about the burden on the British economy, and, therefore, the direct effect on the housing programme of the costs of the British Army of the Rhine, which, in his opinion, are not covered by the offset agreement?
§ The Prime MinisterThat goes a very great deal wider than a Question asking me about a discussion which took place yesterday which in fact did not take place yesterday.
§ Mr. PeytonOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory and short nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.