HC Deb 12 April 1978 vol 947 cc452-3W
26. Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many new houses in the private sector were started in 1977.

35. Mr. MacFarlane

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many new houses in the private sector were started in 1977.

Mr. Shore

134,800 private houses were started in Great Britain.

Mr. Norman Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by what number he estimates that the private sector house building programme will be reduced as a result of the building societies agreeing to reduce their lending programme by the equivalent of 1,400 home loans per week, assuming that house prices remain consistent with the price index.

Mr. Shore

There is no reason for any reduction. The restoration of a stable market should enable builders to plan for a steady expansion of output.