§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the present practice of his Department, by which the published monthly housing statistics for Great Britain include an estimated figure for Scottish local authorities rather than an exact one, is intended to be permanent, or ultimately to be replaced by exact monthly statistics from Scotland as well; and whether he will make a statement on his policy on this matter.
§ Mr. ArmstrongOur policy is to use the most reliable figures available for Scotland when publishing monthly housing statistics for Great Britain. Responsibility for collection and release of housing statistics for Scotland rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. Scottish local authorities make monthly returns on their own housebuilding, but at present not all returns arrive in time for incorporation in the latest public sector statistics for Great Britain. Therefore it is necessary to include estimates for Scotland, and firmer figures are substituted as they become avalable. Meanwhile the Scottish Office is urging upon local authorities the importance of prompt returns.