Dr Julian Lewis: I thank the hon. Gentleman [Don Foster] for his courtesy in giving way. While he is on the subject of manifestos, what has he to say about the Liberal Democrats' 2002 alternative Budget, which proposed the infliction of VAT of up to 7 percent on all new building? How would that help to increase the supply of affordable housing?

[Mr Foster: I will answer that in full at some point, but I hope that the hon. Gentleman will not mind waiting until later in my speech. Various Labour and Conservative manifestos have contained many fine words on the subject, but despite that the crisis is mounting.]