HC Deb 06 March 1911 vol 22 c808
Mr. PONSONBY

asked the Lord Advocate whether, failing any satisfactory scheme being submitted to the Scottish Local Government Board for erecting a garden city within the Rosyth area, the Local Government Board will themselves undertake the planning and erection of the residential portion of the naval base; and whether, in view of the fact that the Admiralty works are already far advanced, he will take steps to ensure a housing scheme for the future residents at Rosyth being undertaken forthwith?

The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Ure)

The answer to the first portion of my hon. Friend's question is in the negative. So far as the Local Government Board for Scotland are concerned every endeavour is being made to secure the object mentioned by my hon. Friend.

Mr. PONSONBY

Is the land being held up with a view to getting higher feu duties?

Mr. URE

I am not aware of it.

Mr. PONSONBY

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think the time has come when some steps should be taken to establish a housing scheme, and does he not think the housing of human beings is after all more important than the housing of "Dreadnoughts," for which such large sums are so easily voted?

Mr. WATT

Did the landowner, Lord Elgin, encourage or discourage this garden city scheme?

Mr. URE

I am not aware. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question.