§ Sir Ian GilmourTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his latest estimate of the number of families with dependent children who have mortgages; and what was the comparable figure in 1979.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe estimated numbers of households in England with dependent children (aged under 16, or under 19 if in full-time education) buying with a mortgage, were 3.1 million in 1979 and 3.6 million in 1988. These figures are derived from the general household survey.