To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the average cost was of a dwelling purchased by a first-time buyer in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) each Government Office Region and (d) each local authority area in (i) 1996-97 and (ii) the most recent period for which figures are available. (324617)

The latest average mix-adjusted purchase price for first-time buyers from 1993 for England, Wales and Government Office regions are available on the Department's website.

Since 1997 over 160,000 households have been helped into home ownership through Government schemes. A full breakdown of low cost home ownership provision can be found on the Department's website.