House Prices a 'Credible Threat' to Economy

11.08.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th Apr 2004

Commenting on Wednesday's Treasury Select Committee report on the 2004 Budget, showing that some commentators think there is a significant risk of a house price crash, Norman Lamb MP, Liberal Democrat Member of the Committee said:

"It is clear that many independent commentators differ from the Chancellor on the potential threat to our economy from rising interest rates, high house prices and consumer debt.

"The Deputy Governor of the Bank of England has acknowledged that these factors pose a 'credible threat' to our economy.

"The views of the many experts contradict Gordon Brown's complacent attitude towards consumer debt, high house prices and rising Bank of England interest rates. The IMF is also now warning that almost half of house price booms end in tears.

"Mr Brown should acknowledge now the potential threat of house price boom and bust is similar to the early 1990s.

"The Budget failed to take responsibility for the level of lending by banks. It is time the Government took action to protect ordinary homeowners against irresponsible lending."