HC Deb 02 August 1972 vol 842 cc553-4
25. Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average price of a new house in June, 1970; and what is the average price for the latest convenient date.

Mr. Younger

The average price of new private houses in Scotland mortgaged with building societies was £5,438 in 1970 and £5,846 in the 12 months to 31st March, 1972.

Mr. Hamilton

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that it is now becoming impossible for young people to get the money to buy their own homes? Follow- ing the introduction of the Housing (Financial Provisions) (Scotland) Act, will he now agree that the Government should be seeking to ensure that young people can get the necessary mortgage, bearing in mind that once the Act is in operation local authorities will not be able to build houses for those in need?

Mr. Younger

I could not accept the last part of the hon. Gentleman's question. We are expecting to see an acceleration of local authority building in the next two years. As for the mortgage point, I have been assured by the building societies, and I have no evidence to the contrary, that they have adequate funds to meet all requests of a reasonable nature within Scotland.

Mr. Hamilton

On low wages?

Mr. Younger

There is a strong demand for private houses in Scotland coupled with a very high level of building. Hon. Gentlemen may have noticed that in Paisley, although there are a number of council houses lying empty, there is strong demand for houses put up for sale by the corporation.

Mr. Strang

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that building land in Edinburgh is now selling at the outrageous price of over £40,000 an acre? For how long will the Government tolerate land owners and land speculators holding the community to ransom in this way?

Mr. Younger

It would be misleading to suggest that all building land in Edinburgh or anywhere else is that price, and it is well known in every country that the most attractive sites command higher prices. But it does not do to exaggerate the question of house prices in Scotland because, according to the latest figures given by the Nationwide Building Society, the price of houses in the United Kingdom as a whole has been rising by about 17 or 18 per cent. whereas the rate of increase in Scotland has been only about 10 per cent.