§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has yet met the Chairman of the EDC for Building to discuss that body's forecast of 245,000 housing starts and 300,000 completions in 1974; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonI am fully aware of the views of this committee on the prospects for housebuilding and of its forecasts for 1974. I am also keenly conscious of the disastrous policies which caused the virtual collapse of new housebuilding in 1973 and from which it will take time to recover.
§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in the light of the fact that two officials of his Department are members of the EDC for Building, he accepts any degree of ministerial responsibility for the conclusions of that body; and whether the officials are nominated by him to serve, or invited to do so in a personal capacity by the EDC.
§ Mr. FreesonThe Department's officials of the EDC for Building are nominated by the Permanent Secretary. The degree of Ministerial commitment to the conclusions reached by an EDC will depend on the circumstances of each case and the views expressed at the EDC by the officials.