§ 39. Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the index number of new orders for homes in the years 1964 and 1965, respectively, taking 1958 as representing 100, all figures being for England, Scotland and Wales, excluding Northern Ireland; what was the overall percentage change over the period 1964–65; what was the percentage change between the third and fourth quarters of 1965; and
§ Mr. MellishFigures of new orders in value terms at 1958 prices are published in my right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works' Monthly Bulletin of Construction Statistics. These show that the index number asked for by the hon. Member was 198 in 1964 and 192 in 1965, a change of minus 3 per cent. over the period. The change between the third and fourth quarters of 1965 was minus 8 per cent.
Shortage of mortgage funds last year cause a fall in the private sector which was offset by a rise in the public.