§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many houses have been started by the private sector in the current year; and what are the comparable figures for the similar period in 1978, 1979 and 1980;
(2) how many new council house starts have been made in the current year; and what are the comparable figures for the same period in 1978, 1979 and 1980.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergFollowing is the available information:
Dwellings* Started in England January to May Local authorities and newtowns Other public sector Private sector 1978 31,080 7,661 50,980 1979 19,080 6,209 38,766 1980 16,540 5,380 37,160 1981 (provisional) 8,470 2,360 39,800 * Houses and flats.