HC Deb 18 November 1969 vol 791 cc1092-3
13. Mr. Allason

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what number of houses have been built in the private sector to the latest convenient date this year; and what was the corresponding number in 1968.

Mr. Greenwood

From the beginning of January to the end of September, 1969, 136,200 houses were completed in the private sector in Great Britain. In the corresponding period of 1968 the number of private sector completions was 163,800.

Mr. Allason

Will the right hon. Gentleman recognise that one of the factors which is militating against building in the private sector is the shortage of land? Has he any proposals to try to bring more land forward so that building may continue?

Mr. Greenwood

Discussions are going on in many parts of the country, particularly in the Home Counties and the West Midlands, with local planning authorities about the need for housing land, and the Land Commission is involved in some of our discussions.

Mr. Frank Allaun

Will my right hon. Friend and the Chancellor of the Ex-Chequer consider telling the banks that they may and should end the freeze on loans to small and medium builders which is the real root of the trouble in the private sector?

Mr. Greenwood

I will look into this matter, but my hon. Friend should know that advances to builders were still at a very high level when the latest figures were made available. However, there is to be a meeting of the Housing Programme Working Party on Friday and I will certainly raise this matter then.

Mr. Peter Walker

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, according to the latest figure, 200 small builders a month are going bankrupt? Has he not looked at that already?

Mr. Greenwood

Yes, I have, and I have discussed it with the industry, too.