Written question asked by Alan W Williams (Labour) on Thursday, 8 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 March 2001. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Thursday, 1 March 2001 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, What the effect of the Government's economic policies has been on the level of interest rates and the average cost of mortgages; and if he will make a statement. (Failed OPQ). - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Alan W. Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the effect of the Government's economic policies has been on the level of interest rates and the average cost of mortgages; and if he will make a statement. [150170] Miss Melanie Johnson: Government policies have delivered economic stability and historically low interest rates. Payments on the average mortgage are over £1,000 a year lower than on average between 1979 and 1997.

Secondary information