HC Deb 19 May 1982 vol 24 c333
2. Mr. Michael Morris

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his latest forecast of the level of activity for the construction industry in the financial year 1982–83.

The Minister for Housing and Construction (Mr. John Stanley)

The Government do not make forecasts of construction industry output, but it is encouraging that the value of total orders for new construction increased by 5 per cent. in real terms last year, that commercial new orders were at their highest level since 1973 and that private sector house building starts, public sector house building starts and home improvement grants have all risen sharply in recent months.

Mr. Morris

Is that not good news and a reflection of the Budget provisions? In the coming months will my hon. Friend liaise closely with the House-Builders Federation and those involved in restoring sewers in inner city areas to ensure that that programme goes forward at an ever-increasing rate?

Mr. Stanley

I assure my hon. Friend that we keep in close touch with the House-Builders Federation. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and Environmental Services keeps in touch with the water industry. I endorse what my hon. Friend said. The revival of private sector house building over a substantial period is a further indication of the way in which the Government's economic policies are beginning to pay off.

Mrs. Renée Short

Contrary to the Minister's rose-tinted view, is he aware that in many areas local authority house building is virtually at a standstill? What remit has he given to the Building Research Establishment to produce good housing design to help local authorities?

Mr. Stanley

The basic responsibility for housing design should be with the local authorities. They can draw on the specialist housing design skills available in the private sector. It is encouraging that private sector house builders have produced a range of specialist designs for single people. I am glad to say that in the first quarter of 1982 public sector house building starts were 40 per cent. up on the previous quarter and 67 per cent. up on a year ago.