HC Deb 15 December 1980 vol 996 cc60-1W
Mr. Straw

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he can confirm, on the basis of the 1980 housing investment programmes submitted to him by local authorities in England, that proportionate reduction in spending on new house building (line 1 (d) on section B of the HIP2 return) is greater than the total reduction in spending on all capital programmes recorded on the HIP returns between 1979–80 and 1980–81, comparing in real terms actual outturn in 1979–80 with estimated payments in 1980–81; and, if so, by how much.

Mr. Stanley

Authorities' estimates of total payments on housing investment in 1980–81, as supplied on form HIP2, are in aggregate 20 per cent. in real terms below the outturn for 1979–80. These comparisons have been made at 1980 survey prices. The corresponding figure for spending on new house building is 22 per cent.