§ 9. Mr. Alec Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what increase in the price of land required for housebuilding in Wales has taken place since November 1972.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI refer the hon. Member to my reply of 5th February to the hon. Member for Aberdare (Mr. Probert). —[Vol. 850, c. 14–15.]
§ Mr. JonesIs the hon. Gentleman aware that these unwarranted and unjustified increases in land prices in Wales are having a serious effect upon leasehold enfranchisement and that constituents of mine who were offered the freehold of their homes for £200 in November are now having that offer withdrawn and a substitute offer of £400 instead? This is a 100 per cent. increase in leasehold enfranchisement costs in less than four months. How can any Government reasonably expect workers to accept wage restraint on the one hand and this ruthless exploitation on the other?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI recognise the problem but the release of more land for building should help to stablise prices. Since November 1971 well over 1,000 acres in pressure areas of South-East Wales have been released for housing after examination of the sites by the Welsh Office. A further large site at Thornhill should be available shortly.