Mr. Batesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will undertake a review of the cost yardstick for council home building in order to encourage local authorities to build more homes.
§ Mr. FreesonAmong steps already taken to encourage local authorities to build more dwellings to rent we have increased the cost yardstick levels by overall amounts of 70 per cent. for firm price tenders and 60 per cent. for variation of price tenders. As I indicated when I announced the increase on 18th September, I am reviewing the longer-term future of cost control in housing in the light of the criticisms which have been made of the yardstick system.