§ Sir D. Walker-Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware of the adverse effect on the woodwork and joinery industry of the decline of house building in the private sector; and what steps he proposes to improve the position.
§ Mr. FreesonSince the introduction of the Government's £500 million loans scheme for building societies last April, the value of building societies' monthly rate of commitments has more than doubled and their monthly commitments on new houses has risen from about 6,000 to over 10,000. Nevertheless, the position is still very unsatisfactory both for the house-building and allied industries and potential house purchasers. The Government have made it clear that they will take steps to secure a stable and adequate level of mortgage lending, and I am also urgently considering what further initiatives might be taken.