§ Mr. CannTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total number of housing starts in England in the first quarter of 1996; and what percentage change this was over the equivalent period in 1995. [32956]
§ Mr. ClappisonIt is estimated that in England during the first quarter of 1996 there were 31,800 new dwellings started. This represents a fall of 12 per cent. compared to the first quarter of 1995 when 36,100 starts were reported.