68. Mr. John P. SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the current condition of private sector housebuilding.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe most recent housebuilding statistics were published by my Department in a press release on 5 July 1990, which is in the Library.
Although the housebuilding industry is currently suffering from the effects of anti-inflationary measures, the success of those measures will provide a sound basis for its long-term prospects for growth.
357W
§ 74. Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has developed any proposals concerning public sector housebuilding.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe task of providing new subsidised homes for rent and sale is increasingly passing to housing associations, with local authorities fulfilling an enabling role. Local authorities decide their own priorities in using the capital resources available to them, although the Government have encouraged them to concentrate on the improvement of their own stock and on assistance to private owners with grants.