HC Deb 04 November 1970 vol 805 c1065
17. Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the increase in the price of land between April, 1967 and June, 1970.

Mr. Graham Page

Comprehensive information is not available about prices of land for all purposes, but so far as housing land in England and Wales is concerned, we estimate the price has risen by about half in the three years up to mid-1970.

Mr. Skeet

I am obliged to the Minister for that Answer. Does he recollect that it was the purpose of the Land Commission to reduce the price of land, and is not a justification for the abolition of the Commission the fact that it has failed in its task?

Mr. Page

That is one good reason for abolishing the Land Commission. Exactly how much of the increase of 50 per cent. over three years is attributable to the activities of the Land Commission and how much is due to other factors is difficult to say, but it is certain that after the introduction of the Land Commission prices rose at a very much faster rate, particularly in 1968 and 1969.

Mr. Fernyhough

As the Government are depending on competition to bring down prices, and as it is competition which pushes up the price of land, can the Minister tell us what he will do to keep down the price of land?

Mr. Page

We are taking active steps to make more land available for production. Active steps will be taken in many cases, particularly in the Home Counties where land for house building is very much required.