§ 12. Mr. Tebbitasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the average price of a new house in October, 1964, and June, 1970, respectively.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Paul Channon)The average price of new houses mortgaged with building societies was £3,520 in the fourth quarter of 1964, and £5,080 in the second quarter of 1970.
§ Mr. TebbitDoes my hon. Friend consider it curious that the whole might of the Prices and Incomes Board was unable to arrest this progress? Does he envisage being able to take further steps—that is, beyond those already announced, such as the abolition of betterment levy and the Land Commission—to ensure that this rate of rise does not continue, and restore us to the happy state of six years ago?
§ Mr. ChannonAs my hon. Friend pointed out, we have already taken a number of steps to that end. [Laughter.] I am surprised that hon. Gentlemen opposite, who are responsible for the enormous rise that has occurred in house prices, find this a laughing matter.
§ Mr. CroslandSince Ministers have had 24 hours in which to reflect on the statement made yesterday by the Secretary of State, may I ask the hon. Gentleman to tell us what estimate he would give of the average rise in rents as a result of that statement?
§ Mr. ChannonI am not at all surprised that the right hon. Gentleman is not anxious to concentrate on the rise in house prices, which is what the Question is about.