§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what study he has made of the implications of recent increases in the minimum lending rate on the cost of building society mortgages; and if he will make money available to the building societies with the aim of freezing mortgage costs at their present levels.
§ Mr. Denzil DaviesIncreases in short-term interest rates affect the competitive position of building societies, as of other financial institutions. The societies' overall liquidity position, however, remains strong.