§ 79. Mr. Warbeyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware that the price index of new private houses increased by 20 per cent. between 1956 and 1961, although the cost per house of labour and materials increased by only 5 per cent. in the same period; and if he will take powers to control the prices of privately-built houses in relation to the builders' profit margins and in relation to increases in the price of building land.
Dr. HillI am, of course, aware that the prices of new houses have risen considerably. But I do not believe that price control would be practicable and I do believe that any such attempt would simply restrict output. From every point of view, including that of price, the important thing is to keep on building more houses.