§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he last met representatives of the house building industry to discuss house building in England; and if he will make a statement. [26129]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe Secretary of State met members of the volume housebuilders study group on 13 February 1996. This was followed by more detailed discussions with the chairman of the group. In addition, my hon. Friend the Minister for Planning, Construction and Energy Efficiency and I hold regular meetings with representatives of the construction industry including, where appropriate, those from the housebuilding industry.
There were 135, 700 private housing starts in 1995; that is 13 per cent. higher than in 1992, which was the lowest point in the recent housebuilding cycle. In the three months to February 1996, starts rose 6 per cent. compared with the previous three months. Mortgage interest rates are now at their lowest for nearly 30 years and house purchase is unusually affordable. The Government believe that there is every reason to have confidence in the present and future health of the housing market.