§ 29. Mr. A. Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will publish in HANSARD a table of figures giving the percentage annual rise or fall in the cost of a £2,000, £3,000, £5,000 and £10,000 house since 1951, taking that year as being equal to 100.
§ Sir K. JosephI regret that I am unable to construct such a table.
§ Mr. A. Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware that during the past five years the average price of new houses has risen by £910, representing a 39 per cent. rise, that general property costs have risen by 60 per cent. in London and the South-East during this period, and that for last year alone the average price rise of houses in London was 13 per cent.; and, as these rising prices are making it difficult for those on small and limited incomes to obtain houses, what action he proposes to take to reduce these prices.
§ Sir K. JosephThe rise in house prices reflects the demand. The long-term planning measures necessary to relieve pressure in London and the South-East will be considered in the light of the South-East study.
Earnings have also increased and the proportion of families owning their homes is going up every year. Some of those who cannot shoulder the cost of house-purchase, however reasonably spread, will benefit from the provisions in the Housing Bill for encouraging cost-rent and co-ownership housing societies.