Keighley MP Kris Hopkins has defended the Government’s home-building record.

In the Commons, the housing minister accused Labour of failing to tackle housing problems during its 13 years in power.

He cited a Labour-sponsored motion on housing as being only the second time since 2010 the subject had been put forward for debate by the party.

Mr Hopkins said: “Ed Miliband says housing is an important part of their agenda.

“But to have secured only two Opposition Day debates in that time does not demonstrate the passion his party claims it has for housing.”

He said that under the present government there would be more social housing by 2015 and that the number of first-time buyers was now at a five-year high.

Mr Hopkins added: “Help to Buy has made a significant contribution – helping hard-working families to buy their own homes, promoting quality and choice in the rental sector and assisting small and medium-sized builders to get back on their feet.”