HC Deb 14 February 1973 vol 850 cc1268-9
13. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, as one way of stopping the further decrease in council house building, he will now increase the cost yardstick allowance, not only where local market conditions make this necessary, but generally, in view of the national rise in building costs and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Channon

The yardstick arrangements are now more flexible and are not holding up the approval of reasonable tenders. Our readiness to grant allowances to meet local market conditions is, in my view, the most effective way of dealing with the present tendering situation.

Mr. Allaun

But is not the Minister aware that councils are anxious for a general increase? They do not aim to profiteer out of house building. Would not it be safe to allow them to have a general increase, as they have no motive for abusing it?

Mr. Channon

What has been done is more flexible and more satisfactory than just a general increase. I accept the rigid nature of the yardstick controls, which were introduced not by me but by the hon. Gentleman's right hon. Friends. I know of hardly any case in the country where schemes are being held up by the yardstick. I know of none in Salford. [Interruption.] Hon. Members make generalised assertions. If they will send me details of schemes being held up in this way I shall gladly look into them.

Mr. Jay

As the hon. Gentleman has so rightly said that the way to bring down house prices is to provide more houses, will he at least give an assurance that his Department will not agree to the destruction of existing houses to build roads?

Mr. Channon

That is another question.

Mr. Crosland

There seems to be the most extraordinary conflict of evidence here. The Minister asked for evidence of councils that were prevented from building all they wanted to build. Is he aware that the case of Leicester has already been referred to this afternoon? Does he recall that in the debate on housing on Tuesday of last week I quoted the words of two housing committee chairmen—one in Norwich and one in Hammersmith? Will he at least give an answer on those three specific cases?

Mr. Channon

It is much better if I can have a specific question, or a letter about a specific case. I genuinely believe that very few schemes are being held up because of yardstick difficulties. I ask hon. Members on both sides who think that I am wrong to give me evidence, and then I shall see whether they are right or I am right.

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