HC Deb 14 April 1965 vol 710 c220W
Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what has been the percentage increase in building costs in each six-monthly period from April, 1955, to date; and whether he will institute an inquiry into the causes of these increases.

Mr. Boyden

The following are the figures:

INDEX NUMBERS OF THE COST OF NEW CONSTRUCTION QUARTERLY AVERAGES FOR 1ST AND 3RD QUARTERS
Average.1954=100
Index Numbers Percentage Change
1955—1st Quarter 103
3rd Quarter 107 +4
1956—1st Quarter 108 +1
3rd Quarter 111 +3
1957—1st Quarter 112 +1
3rd Quarter 115 +3
1958—1st Quarter 115 0
3rd Quarter 115 0
1959—1st Quarter 113 -2
3rd Quarter 113 0
1960—1st Quarter 113 0
3rd Quarter 114 +1
1961—1st Quarter 116 +2
3rd Quarter 117 +1
1962—1st Quarter 121 +3
3rd Quarter 122 +1
1963—1st Quarter 125 +2
3rd Quarter 126 +1
1964—1st Quarter 127 +1
3rd Quarter 129 +2
1965—1st Quarter Not yet available

The average rise in the Department's Cost of New Construction Index since 1955 has been just over 2 per cent. a year. I do not consider that this calls for a special inquiry.