§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the increase in the number of families without homes shown by the latest figures published by his Department, he will take further measures to aid the construction industry to produce more houses; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungWe are already taking several measures to assist the construction industry and there is evidence of increasing numbers of new houses being started in both the public and private sectors. Provision for capital expenditure by local authorities has been significantly increased this year. We are continuing to promote a programme of low-cost home ownership initiatives which will help to reduce the pressure on rented accommodation. In addition, the Government consider that there is substantial scope for meeting housing needs, including those of the homeless, through better use of the existing stock. In particular, we have taken a number of measures to promote the supply of privately rented accommodation and to bring empty public sector dwellings back into use. Expenditure on hostel accommodation has also been substantially increased.