§ Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he has given to the activities of a firm, whose name has been supplied to him by the hon. Member for Derby, North, in his examination of undesirable practices by house builders in relation to the gazumping of new house prices.
§ Mr. ChannonThe problem arising from house purchase agreements made subject to contract has been referred by the Lord Chancellor to the Law Commission. Its report is awaited. But the most satisfactory solution to this kind of problem is to increase the rate of new house building for sale until supply comes into balance with demand. This is the Government's policy, and whereas only 165,000 private houses were started in 1970, no less than 227,000 were started in 1972.