asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of the downturn in private house building; and whether he will make a statement on the stage reached in the discussions between himself and the Building Societies Association regarding the plan to provide mortgages at reduced rates of interest.

My right hon. Friend is aware of the figures of house-building in the private sector. He does not think that the reduction of activity in recent months is related solely, or even mainly, to the rate of interest charged on mortgage advances. He is making good progress in his discussions with the building societies and other mortgage institutions but is not yet ready to make a statement.