HC Deb 15 November 1972 vol 846 cc137-8W
72. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the number of council houses started in the United Kingdom in the first three quarters of 1972, 1971 and 1970, respectively; and what steps he proposes to take to increase the number in future.

Mr. Channon

It is the responsibility of local authorities to look to the needs of their areas for new housing. The present Government, unlike the former Government, place no restriction on the total amount that local authorities may borrow to build houses, and they have created the financial framework in which the acutest needs may be more easily dealt with.