20. Mr. Speed askedthe Minister of Public Building and Works what percentage of building work will be carried out by the public sector in 1969 and 1970.
§ Mr. John SilkinApproximately 55 per cent. of new work in 1969 and a little less in 1970.
§ Mr. SpeedWould it not be a good idea to try to redress the balance a little and at least get a 50–50 basis? Would not a good start be to get the private house building sector back to the 1964 level?
§ Mr. SilkinQuestions on housing are probably better addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government. But, since the subject has been raised, the annual number of houses produced under the Conservative Government totalled 305,000 and under the Labour Government 395,000.
The hon. Gentleman is understandably interested in the private sector. He may be interested to know that the average number of houses produced for the private sector by the Conservative Government was 135,000 per annum and by the Labour Government 210,000 per annum.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisHas my right hon. Friend noticed the increasing venom with which local Conservative groups have been attacking direct works departments of local authorities? Does he agree that there is a need for more publicity about the excellent achievements of direct works departments, like that in Manchester?
§ Mr. SilkinI would always agree with my hon. Friend on practically everything.