§ Mr. STURROCK (by Private Notice)asked the Prime Minister whether the speech delivered in the Conservative Club in Edinburgh on Friday last by the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health represents the considered policy of the Government in regard to assisting house-building in Scotland; whether he is aware that the plan outlined by the Under-Secretary was adversely criticised by members of his audience, and has caused grave uncertainty in Scottish local government circles; and whether, before anything further is officially said or done in this matter, the elected Parliamentary representatives of Scotland at Westminster may have a statement in the House of Commons and an opportunity of debating the Government's proposals?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo statement of the Government policy on housing has been made by the Under-Secretary for Health for Scotland going beyond the 41 detailed statements already made in this Horse. In regard to the last part of the question, Members will, of course, have the complete statement of the Government policy on the Second Reading of the Housing Bill and opportunities of debating the Government proposals then, and in subsequent stages of this Measure.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIn order to avoid any misunderstanding, will the right hon. Gentleman sanction the issue of a statement explaining clearly how far the Government proposals affect Scotland? The English proposal has been adumbrated. The people of Scotland are anxious to know exactly how the thing is going to affect them?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have read the speech of my hon. and gallant Friend and I do not think it contains anything snore than has been stated in this House.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs it not the case that the Under-Secretary for Health did make reference to the amount of the proposed subsidy which should be paid to the local authorities, and does that not represent the policy of the Cabinet?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat has been stated by the Minister of Health in this House.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs it not the case that the Minister of Health stated in reply to a question put by myself last week that he would give consideration to a proposal to increase the amount of the subsidy for Scotland?
§ Mr. STURROCKIn view of the fact, from the Press comments and other criticism in Scotland, that clearly there is great uncertainty about the Government proposal, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it very desirable that a comprehensive statement should be made in this House?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONBefore the Prime Minister replies, may I ask, will he say whether the subsidy announced for England applies to Scotland?
§ Mr. NEVILLE CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir, my statement had relation only to England.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIn view of the fact that this matter is of very great importance to the people. of Scotland would the Minister of Health tell us what subsidy we are going to get in Scotland?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe right hon. Gentleman had better put down a question for Wednesday.