§ 1. Mr. Westwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average housing subsidy paid for houses completed in the years ended December, 1934, 1935, 1936, and 1937, respectively?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Elliot)The information desired by the hon. Member is not available for the calendar years, but the average subsidy paid for houses completed in the years ended 15th November, 1934, 1935, 1936 and 1937 was respectively £10 9s., £10 14s, £12 6s. and £11.
§ 3. Mr. Westwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there is no lack of joiner labour and that there are large supplies of timber of building sizes in Scotland available for the erection of timber houses in the event of a decision to erect same; and whether he will agree to meet representatives of the employers' and employés' organisations before agreeing to approve of the importation from Sweden of houses in a pre-fabricated condition?
§ Mr. ElliotWith regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for East Fife (Mr. Henderson Stewart) on 17th February. With regard to the second part of the question, the importation from Sweden of prefabricated timber houses is, as the hon. Member will recollect, not subject to my approval. If it is desired to secure any alteration of the existing protection enjoyed by British manufacturers, the proper course is to bring the matter to the notice of the Import Duties Advisory Committee.
§ Mr. WestwoodIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that employers are very anxious to meet and discuss with him the provision of this type of house in the interests of housing in Scotland?
§ Mr. ElliotI think that my Department has already met them, but it is important in a matter of this kind that specifications and plans should be laid before those who are dealing with housing matters in the local authorities.
§ Mr. KirkwoodSeeing that my constituency, particularly Clydebank, is the most overcrowded part of the British Isles, will the right hon. Gentleman recommend this type of house which can be rushed up in three weeks?
§ Mr. ElliotI would recommend any type of house which can be properly inhabited in view of the frightful overcrowded conditions which exist in the hon. Member's constituency.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartWill the right hon. Gentleman remember that these timber houses can now be built in the space of not more than 11 days?
§ Mr. ElliotSurely it is desirable to bring that to the notice of local authorities.
§ Sir John HaslamI hope the right hon. Gentleman will not take too much notice of these arch-protectionists because Lancashire wants to export her cotton goods to Sweden.
§ 5. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the communication addressed to him from the Bathgate Town Council regarding the high costs of house building; and whether he will indicate what action he is taking in the matter?
§ Mr. ElliotThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 24th February to a similar question by the hon. Member for Dumbartonshire (Mr. Cassells).
§ Mr. MathersDoes not the fact that the Bathgate Town Council's refusal to proceed with a scheme six weeks ago has had the effect of bringing down the costs on the second lot to the extent of £55 per house give the right hon. Gentleman a hint that if he took action he could bring down costs?