HC Deb 18 October 1972 vol 843 cc245-6
9. Mr. Leonard

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why publication of the quarterly periodical, Housing Statistics, ceased with issue No. 24 for February, 1972; and in what form he intends to publish the statistics contained therein in the future.

Mr. Eyre

Both Housing Statistics and the Monthly Bulletin of Construction Statistics have been superseded by a new quarterly publication, Housing and Construction Statistics, the first issue of which appeared on 7th September. Almost all the data previously included in the separate publications will appear in either quarterly or annual tables in Housing and Construction Statistics.

Mr. Leonard

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the first volume of the new bulletin he mentioned is considerably thinner than its predecessor, although it allegedly covers a wider range? Many of the tables previously included—for example, several dealing with the details of improvement grants and unfit houses—are not now included, and some of the tables continued now give less information than in the past, since they do not take so early a base year as previously. Will the hon. Gentleman ensure that future issues give much wider details than the first issue?

Mr. Eyre

I will take note of what the hon. Gentleman said but I hope he will allow this new publication to run for a year because the aim is to include the major series which are available on a quarterly basis, and nearly all the other statistics which were in Housing Statistics, including those which appeared annually, will be given in supplementary tables once a year. There is advantage in avoiding duplication, including a reduction in the price from £4 10s. for the previous publication to £3.55p for the new one.

Mr. Paget

Will these statistics deal with prices? We have heard such very remarkable suggestions about a 37 per cent. increase. Speaking as a landlord and property owner, I can say that in the last eight months—

Mr. Speaker

Order. This is Question Time, not information time.

Mr. Paget

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the last six months I have seen the price of houses at least double, and that of building sites go up by about 200 per cent.?

Mr. Eyre

The hon. and learned Gentleman can be assured that all previous statistics of that kind will be represented in the new publication.