Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Phyllis Starkey (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 14 December 2005 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

House Building

Question: Will the Minister confirm that the major sources of population growth in the south of England are migration to the south-east from London and increased longevity? In relation to the second group, what steps are being taken to make sure that new house building in the south takes account of the needs of the elderly population?

Answer: My hon. Friend is exactly right. We need to take account of an ageing and growing population. If we do not do so, in 20 years' time, 70 per cent. of 30-year-old couples who are first-time buyers will not be able to afford their own home. That is the consequence of sticking with existing rates of house building, which is the approach taken by the Opposition. Their leader may say all those nice things about not campaigning on immigration—

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 440 c1288
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Housing Older people South East Construction Immigration Households Migration South of England
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk