HC Deb 11 July 1973 vol 859 cc1523-4
25. Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average cost of an acre of building land in north Nottinghamshire today compared to June 1970.

Mr. Channon

I regret that the information is not available for north Nottinghamshire.

Mr. Ashton

Is it not a fact that the price of land has doubled'? The Minister admitted earlier today that the cost of houses has risen by 87 per cent., yet in that period wages have risen by only 30 per cent. Will the Minister tell my constituents how they can be expected to pay this extra cost, particularly as more of them are having to buy houses because councils are building fewer? Have not these people become worse off in the last three years?

Mr. Channon

The hon. Gentleman asked me a Question about Nottingham- shire. I am afraid that I do not have the figures for that county, because they have not been given to me. I can, however, give figures for the east Midlands, which may be of assistance. The figures are as follows: in 1969, £4,800 per acre; in 1972, £9,290. I emphasise that the figures that I have given the House for the prices of housing land are related largely to transactions that have a built-in time lag up to four months, and the figures that I have given to the House are considerably out of date.

Mr. Molloy

When land becomes available for local authorities that have a very good use for the land but are often financially inhibited in making good use of it, will the Minister be prepared to see representatives of those local authorities and consider how they can be helped?

Mr. Channon

I should like to study the hon. Gentleman's proposals. If he has a specific case in mind, perhaps he will get in touch with me.

Mr. Allason

Does my hon. Friend recall that local authorities have been telling him that there is plenty of land available for housing? 'Does not the rise in the cost of land wove that these statements are totally false and that there is a need for a much greater amount of land to be made available for housing?

Mr. Channon

I certainly think that it is essential to release a considerable amount of land for housing, particularly in pressure areas. I hope to have the support of the House when the new planning guidelines are received.