§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he intends to take to stimulate private sector house building in London.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerHousebuilding starts in Greater London rose by more than 52 per cent. between 1979 and 1984 as compared with less than 11 per cent. for England. In two areas, docklands and Thamesmead, there has been substantial growth.
Evidence from the London and South East regional planning conference is that there is a significant amount of housing land available in London. We have taken steps to maximise the release of this land for building. Land registers highlight the under-use of land held by public bodies, and we have urged public bodies to sell land on a profit-sharing basis to encourage development.
Urban development grant is available for private house building schemes which address the problems of deprived urban areas and which would not go ahead without grant.