HC Deb 22 January 1992 vol 202 c298
3. Mr. Grocott

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any plans to meet the chairman of the new towns commission to discuss the release of land for low-cost housing.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Environment (Mr. Tim Yeo)

I have no plans for such a meeting.

Mr. Grocott

Is the Minister aware of a specific aspect of the housing problem in the Wrekin, which is well recognised by all concerned, including the council, the housing associations and the churches? Nearly all the housing land is owned by the new towns commission, which cannot release it at less than its full market value.

I urge the Minister to contact the commission's chairman and to impress on him the importance of making land available to meet the urgent housing needs of new householders and, in particular, elderly people. Will he give me an assurance that he will at least talk to the chairman, to ensure that affordable housing land will be supplied?

Mr. Yeo

I am glad to be able to tell the House that the new towns commission has already agreed in principle to release 5 hectares of land next year in Telford at less than market value which will facilitate the provision of 200 units of low-cost housing. The real issue with housing in Telford and elsewhere is the problem that millions of tenants and owner-occupiers would face as a result of the savage cuts in take-home pay that people of all income levels would suffer if the Labour party came to power. The swinging increases in tax and national insurance—the central plank of the Opposition's programme—would force millions of households, who at present can afford to pay for their own housing and to stand on their own feet, into the humiliating dependence of subsided accommodation. There would be an explosion in demand for low-cost housing that no amount of land released could possibly satisfy.

Mr. Speaker

Order. I hope that Ministers will answer the questions today that are asked rather than the ones that are not asked.

Mr. Butcher

While the Minister is examining low-cost housing, may I refer him to a case with which he will be familiar: the attempt some years ago by my constituents to acquire low-cost housing in Marina and Pomeroy close, who are now caught in the legal crossfire between Coventry city council and my hon. Friend's regional officials. May I ask my hon. Friend to bang a few heads together and sort out this mess?

Mr. Yeo

My hon. Friend has been assiduous in drawing this matter to my attention. The Department will do everything possible to ensure that his constituents are properly looked after. I hope that the same level of co-operation and commitment is forthcoming from the council.