§ 28. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary for Scotland whether it is the intention of his Department to bring in legislation for Scotland making it compulsory for landowners there to feu land for housing purposes 3337 at practically agricultural rates to be fixed by the Land Court, in view of the great number who are desirous of building houses of their own?
§ Mr. MUNROI would refer my hon. and learned Friend to my observations on the subject of the acquisition of land for housing purposes in the discussion in the House on Thursday last.
§ 29. Mr. FALCONERasked the Secretary for Scotland what progress has been made with regard to the provision of houses in the rural areas of Scotland and particularly how many new houses have been arranged for?
§ Mr. MUNROIn supplement to what I said in the discussion on Thursday last, I am informed that a considerable number of local authorities in rural areas have signified their intention to proceed with the preparation of schemes. These include:—Leaside district of Aberdeenshire, 42 houses; Garioch district of Aberdeenshire, 36 houses; Laurencekirk district of Kincardineshire, 18 houses; St. Cyrus district of Kincardineshire, 50 houses; upper district of Renfrewshire, 300 houses; lower ward district of Lanarkshire, 250 houses; Kinross county, 20 houses; eastern district of Dumbartonshire, 300; western district of Dumbartonshire, 200 houses per annum, and central district of Stirlingshire, 50 houses. Total 1,266 houses.
The special problems presented by housing in rural areas is having the most careful consideration of the Scottish Local Government Board in consultation with the Board of Agriculture for Scotland.
§ Mr. FALCONERWhen may we expect to have the result of these deliberations of his office with regard to the principles upon which these purely rural areas are to be provided for?
Mr. MONROI am not quite sure I appreciate what my hon. Friend refers to when he says the principles on which these matters are to be arranged. My impression is that these things are already settled.