Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the numbers of housing starts in the years 1977–78, 1978–79 and 1979–80; and what is his latest estimate of the number for 1980–81.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergHousing starts in England in the years 1977–78, 1978–79 and 1979–80 were as follows:
1977–78 1978–79 1979–80 Public sector 113,214 86,191 66,702 Private sector 119,116 126,757 117,468 Total 232,330 212,948 184,170 On the second part of the question I refer the hon. Member to the answer my hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr. Straw) on 4 June 1980— 502W [Vol. 985, c. 748]. Normally about 85 per cent. of all private sector starts in Great Britain are in England.