HC Deb 17 February 1971 vol 811 cc1834-5
45. Mr. James Hill

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the relationship between the housing cost yardstick and the Parker Morris Standards; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Amery

The cost yardstick reflects minimum standards based on the Parker Morris Report. The level and structure of the yardstick are under examination in the light of views expressed by the local authority associations.

Mr. Hill

Is my right hon. Friend aware that these two standards pull against and are directly opposed to each other? Often no tender is acceptable and consequently the local authorities must go out to tender again, which could be a reason for the delay in the council housing programme.

Mr. Amery

I agree with my hon. Friend that there is a danger that mounting costs can lead to the yardstick hitting standards, as it were, between Parker and Morris. That is why we are looking into the matter.