HC Deb 08 December 1971 vol 827 cc307-8W
33. Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many houses have been completed and started since 18th June, 1970, and 1st January, 1971, respectively.

Mr. Channon

In Great Britain, 451,600 permanent dwellings were started and 468,300 completed in the period 1st July, 1970, to 31st October, 1971. For the period 1st January to 31st October, 1971, the corresponding figures are 285,800 and 283,600.

Mr. Roy Mason

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the figures of house building in the public sector, area by area, for the first nine months of 1971, compared with 1970, both for starts and for completions.

Mr. Channon

Following is the information.

of scientists at Aston University, Birmingham, in the successful disposal of plastic containers, details of which are in his possession; and why he is not adopting this method of disposal.

Mr. Graham Page

I am aware of the research work being done at Aston University with the support of the Science Research Council into the modification of plastics during fabrication to achieve accelerated degradation in sunlight. Further research is necessary to ensure that plastics so manufactured will be adequate in use and will be free from risks, toxic and otherwise, to humans or animals, both while in use and during the process of degradation.