§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government by how much the officially estimated 4½ per cent. rise in prices during the current year as a result of devaluation and indirect taxation increases will increase the cost of a three-bedroom council house.
§ Mr. MacCollI cannot give a figure. House prices do not necessarily move with costs. At least part of the increase —which I estimate at about 3 per cent. not 4½ per cent.—may be absorbed by builders or offset by the use of more economic designs.