Homes and Communities Agency

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Communities and Local Government – in the House of Commons am 2:30 pm ar 3 Mawrth 2009.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Margaret Beckett Margaret Beckett Minister of State (Department of Communities and Local Government) (Housing) 2:30, 3 Mawrth 2009

I understand the hon. Gentleman's concern, but let me say two things to him. First, it is beyond question and clearly accepted, including across the House, that there is an unmet and growing demand for housing, because of the growth in the number of households. Secondly, I think it is also common ground across the House that something that must be done to address that demand. If it has to be addressed, surely it is better to seek on the basis of some exemplar programmes to provide new housing that meets the standards that the housing of the future will need to meet if we are to tackle climate change. Incidentally, that will also make those houses much more affordable to run. I understand that Opposition Members have sought to use this issue as a campaigning tool in a number of cases, but I am not sure that that is acting in their constituents' interests in the long term.