§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the operation of the drinking water inspectorate; and if he will make a statement.
Housebuilding Starts and Completions (Thousands) Starts Completions 1988 1989 Per cent. change 1988 1989 Per cent. change North 10.3 9.8 -4 8.6 9.7 +13 Yorkshire and Humberside 17.9 15.9 -11 16.9 14.4 -15 East Midlands 21.7 16.8 -23 19.9 15.9 -20 East Anglia 16.5 11.4 -31 13.2 13.7 +3 South East: London 15.4 13.7 -11 12.5 12.9 +4 Rest of South East 63.7 41.9 -34 55.5 47.9 -14 South West 30.2 19.2 -36 23.7 21.0 -11 West Midlands 19.1 15.6 -19 17.6 14.2 -19 North West 18.7 18.0 -4 18.5 16.3 -12 England 213.4 162.3 -24 186.3 166.0 -11 In 1988 private enterprise housebuilding was at its highest since 1973. Because of the need to raise interest rates to keep down inflation the fall during 1989 and early 1990 is not surprising. Interest rates will remain at current levels as long as is necessary to defeat inflation.