§ 97. Mr. Arthur Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for encouraging local authorities to build houses for sale on land in their ownership with a view to ensuring its early release for residential development.
§ Mr. AmeryI am anxious that there should be a good supply of new homes for would-be owner-occupiers, particularly those with modest incomes, and I am encouraging local authorities in the pressure areas to do all they can to that end by releasing land for private building. Private builders and local authorities should co-operate in this objective, and I am convinced that private builders will do the job most efficiently. Nevertheless, if a demand exists which cannot be or is not being met by private builders, I should be prepared to consider proposals from a local authority to build for sale.