§ 22. Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in the light of the latest figures for housing completions, he will consider taking further steps to reverse the trend shown therein.
§ Mr. ChannonIn the private sector, starts in 1972 were almost 10 per cent. up on 1971 and 38 per cent. up on 1970. They were the third highest since the war and would have been reflected more fully in completions which were also up but for the wages dispute in the building industry. The Government propose to take further measures to increase land availability, which will help this trend.
As to the public sector, we have written to local authorities in conurbation areas asking for details of their housing needs. As the House will know, there is now no financial obstacle in their way.
334W
§ 38. Mr. David Stoddartasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take to restore the level of housebuilding to that attained in 1967 and 1968.
§ Mr. ChannonThe hon. Member will be pleased to know that private sector starts were almost 10 per cent. up in 1971 and 38 per cent. up on 1970. For the last three years completions in the private sector have risen on each occasion. In the public sector I am most anxious that local authorities which need to build should press ahead.