HC Deb 18 December 1975 vol 902 cc1641-2
Q2. Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Prime Minister whether the public speech by the Secretary of State for the Environment to a local government conference in Eastbourne on 20th November on the subject of housing policy represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Edward Short

I have been asked to reply.

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Latham

What possessed the Secretary of State to choose a local government conference at which to commend the Community Land Act when the Government admit that it will substantially increase both public sector manpower and public sector administration costs?

Mr. Short

I think that it was the appropriate forum at which to do it.

Mr. Frank Allaun

As the Government are prepared to save the jobs of car workers, why are they not also prepared to save the jobs of building workers? Does my right hon. Friend agree that the TUC request for a massive housing and public works programme would meet far more pressing needs than those met by motor cars? Will the Government similarly protect home-helps, teachers and nurses who will be affected by the threatened cuts in public expenditure?

Mr. Short

My right hon. Friend will not have forgotten that the Government made a considerable amount of money available quite recently to improve the construction industry. I am sure he will pay tribute to the fact that both housing completions and starts are greatly up this year on last year.