HC Deb 29 June 1937 vol 325 cc1781-3
32. Mr. Stephen

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of rent rebates under Section 47 (5) of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1935, granted by the Corporation of Glasgow to tenants in the housing scheme; the total amount of rent abatement; and the highest and lowest amounts so granted?

Mr. Elliot

I am informed that the corporation have as yet granted no rebates from rent.

Mr. Stephen

Will the right hon. Gentleman draw their attention to these provisions, in view of the fact that many people are doubtful about taking houses because of their pecuniary circumstances?

Mr. Elliot

I understand that the regulations have been submitted to the housing committee of the corporation. If no action is taken, I shall certainly draw the attention of the corporation.

Mr. Westwood

Is it not possible to introduce an Amendment to make the "may" "shall"?

33. Mr. Stephen

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the cost and size of the houses built by housing authorities in Scotland which have been let at a rent of 5s. a week or under, and the cost of houses of a corresponding size built by the Glasgow Corporation and Edinburgh Corporation, respectively, and the rents which are being charged for such by those authorities?

Mr. Elliot

I regret that the information asked for is not available. I do not feel that I would be justified in asking local authorities to undertake the labour which its compilation would entail.

Mr. Stephen

Could not the right hon. Gentleman give us some instances with regard to these houses? The figures are very important.

Mr. Elliot

I shall be prepared to go over the details, which need to be ascertained, with the hon. Member. I think he will agree that it would involve a great deal of investigation.

38. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, arising out of the increased cost of building materials, certain local authorities have suspended building programmes; that rents in many areas are rising; that suffering and overcrowding is being caused thereby; and will he call a conference in Edinburgh of Scottish Members of Parliament with representatives of the principal burghs and county councils for the purpose of discussing ways and means to overcome the housing crisis?

Mr. Elliot

I am aware that certain local authorities have decided not to proceed meantime with proposed building schemes owing to high costs which, however, are only partly attributable to the rise in the price of materials. The fixing of rents for State-assisted houses is in the hands of the local authorities and I have no complete information as to the rents charged. Any recent alterations in rent charges either upwards or downwards are mainly due to the review of rents provided for by Section 47 of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1935. In view of the full statement I made on the present housing situation on 24th June, and the fact that I and my officers are in constant touch with the representative associations of local authorities in regard to the whole question, I doubt whether any useful purpose would be served by the further conference proposed.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the strong feeling that exists in connection with overcrowding and bad housing conditions, and the still stronger feeling that some discussion of the matter should take place, and will he not seriously consider the question of a conference of some kind?

Mr. Elliot

I am continually having conferences of some kind or another. I do not think a general conference would forward the object we all have at heart.

Mr. Westwood

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, since he made his statement, the four large cities of Scotland have had a conference and have come to the conclusion that it is impossible to proceed with housing unless an increased subsidy can he provided to meet the increase in cost?

Mr. Elliot

This was fully discussed on the Estimates. I cannot add to the statement that I made then.

44. Mr. Stephen

asked the Minister of Labour the number of bricklayers employed on private building work other than housing in the city of Glasgow, and the number employed on the housing schemes of the Glasgow Corporation?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Butler)

As regards the first part of the question, I regret that statistics giving the desired information are not available. With regard to the second part of the question, I am informed by my righ[...] hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, that at 25th June. 1937, there were 297 bricklayers and ho apprentices in employment on the Glasgow housing scheme.

Mr. Stephen

In view of the great shortage of labour for housing schemes, will the Minister try to find out the proportion that is being employed on private buildings other than housing?

Mr. Butler

I am unable to see how we could ascertain the exact numbers employed by private contractors.

29. Mr. Mathers (for Mr. Cassells)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, owing to the rising costs and the lack of an available supply of labour, house-building in the County of Dumbarton, although urgently required, will be materially delayed; and is he prepared to take steps to control prices and also to increase housing grants?

Mr. Elliot

I am aware of the difficulties which are causing delay in the progress of housing schemes in the County of Dunbarton. My officers have been in touch with representatives of the county council and everything possible is being done in order to assist progress. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the full statement I made regarding the present housing situation in the course of the Debate on 24th June.