asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many houses were under construction by local authorities in the East and West Ridings of Yorkshire at the end of 1965.

16,640.

Is my hon. Friend quite satisfied that this figure even remotely corresponds to the need in the East and West Ridings? Is he aware that on page 173 of the National Plan housing conditions in that area in terms of quality are described as the worst in the country? Is he not also aware that from 1951 to 1964 only 5·2 houses per 1,000 estimated population were built in the East and West Ridings compared with the national figure of 5·8? Will my hon. Friend look at the figure again?

I undertake to do that on behalf of my hon. Friend. He will know that it is my Minister's policy to ensure that in future programming priority is given to areas where the need is greatest.