§ Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the complaints from the inhabitants of West Wemyss about the failure of the Fife County Council to inaugurate any housing scheme there, and that serious discontent exists at the proposal to re-house West Wemyss inhabitants at a considerable distance from the village, thus causing great inconvenience; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this?
§ Mr. ElliotI am aware of the representations made by residents in West Wemyss regarding the Fife County Council's housing policy for the village. I understand, however, that the county1284W council have been unable to obtain any site at West Wemyss which their mining engineers could certify as safe from the risk of subsidence, and that they therefore propose to re-house 20 families in houses which are now nearing completion at Rosie, 2½ miles away. The council consider that these houses will be conveniently situated to places of work in the district. As the hon. Member is aware the selection of sites is primarily a matter for the council themselves and under the circumstances I should not feel justified in interfering with their decision.
§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet decided to set up a control of building materials in Scotland with a view to securing regular and sufficient supplies thereof at reasonable prices for local authorities; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?
§ Mr. ElliotI would refer the hon. and learned Member to the answer which I gave to him on this subject yesterday.