§ Q4. Mr. Skinnerasked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the co-ordination between the Departments of Trade and Industry and the Environment in respect of the building programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterYes. Orders for new construction work in the first quarter of 1972 were 10 per cent. up on the corresponding period of1971. Total housing starts in the public and private sectors rose by 8 per cent. in 1971 as compared with 1970; and in the first four months of 1972 were 3½ per cent. higher than in the same period in 1971.