§ Mr. Tebbitasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what reduction in public sector housing starts he anticipates in 1977–78 as against the expected total for 1976–77 as a result of the public expenditure cuts;
(2) what estimate he has made of the effect upon employment in the construction industry of the public sector housing cuts for 1977–78.
§ Mr. FreesonMy right hon. Friend has undertaken to consult the local authority associations and the other bodies concerned before settling the full details of the new control system required following the Chancellor's statement. I cannot therefore yet forecast the effect on public sector starts and employment in the construction industry in 1977–78.