§ 37. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government in view of the fact that stocks of bricks are now estimated at 1,090 million, resulting in the closure of brickworks, that the waiting lists for houses are increasing and that mortgage availability for prospective owner-occupier is in a ratio of one in two, whether he will reconstruct housing policies to raise completions of houses during the year ending 5th April, 1971. to 500,000.
§ Mr. Greenwood:I do not know of any evidence for the second and third of the hon. Member's assumptions. Measures taken by the Government will ensure that again in 1970 housing completions will exceed any annual total achieved by the Opposition during their 13 years of office, with the possible exception of the Election year 1964.
§ Mr. Tom Boardmanasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will initiate an inquiry into the cause of the decline in the rate of house building.
§ Mr. Greenwood:The variations of performance in house building are the subject of continuing inquiry, and action by me.