§ 65. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware of the rapidly increasing prices of land in urban areas of the country which increases considerably the cost of houses and, consequently, rents; and if he will take steps to set up a committee to inquire into this exploitation of values created by the community.
§ Sir K. JosephMy right hon. Friend is aware that the price of land has risen sharply in areas where competition for it is most acute. What he is anxious to do is to increase the supply—by providing more land for development, where that does not conflict with important planning objectives, and by encouraging 105W fuller use of land within the towns. These are matters which planning authorities and the Department are reviewing. I do not think that a committee of inquiry would help.