§ 11. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the price paid for land to erect steel houses upon in the Shettleston district of Glasgow, and what was the rate-able value?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)I am informed that the price paid for the site for steel houses at Shettleston was £10,425, and that the rate-able value of the land as appearing in the valuation roll was £133.
§ Mr. HARDIEAre the Government, through the Secretary of State for Scotland, going to take any steps to prevent this big difference between the rate-able value of the land and what they pay for it when they want to build houses?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HARDIEHave the Government instructed the right hon. Gentleman that in future land shall be bought at the rate-able value?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, the land is being bought in the ordinary open market at a most reasonable price.
§ Mr. HARDIEDoes the right hon. Gentleman think the difference between the price he gave and that at which it is valued is a fair price?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman explain to the House, in as few words as possible, what has happened to the land that there is such a difference in the price when once we are going to acquire it in order to build upon it?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter of debate.
§ Mr. STEPHENWhat steps is the right hon. Gentleman going to take to prevent this profiteering by the people owning land?
§ 12. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the extra cost of foundations for steel houses in the Garngad area are to be borne by the Government or by the Second National Scottish Housing Company?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe extra costs of foundations for the steel houses in the Garngad area will be borne by the Second Scottish National Housing Company (Housing Trust), Limited.
§ Mr. HARDIESince before purchasing the land no particular pains were taken to see whether it was suitable for building or not, is it not the fact that the Government have to pay this money?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONDoes the extra cost of the foundations include the increased wages which were promised to the labourers but which have not yet been paid on the Weir houses?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe question of foundations and the price paid for the land have nothing to do with the rate of wages.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThe question says "extra cost of foundations." That, I take it, includes the extra wages promised to be paid to the labourers on these foundations.
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo. When the company bought the land the cost of the foundations was taken into consideration when the price was paid for the land.
§ Mr. STEPHENCan the right hon. Gentleman assure us that the extra cost will not mean an increase of the proposed rent for the houses?
§ Mr. HARDIESince there are extra costs, are they to be borne altogether apart from the calculations made on the cost of the houses and the rent that will be based on that cost?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo. In this case the land was already laid out for housing, with drains and roads already made, and the cost was based on these circumstances.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman going to take any steps to suppress individuals who charge that exorbitant price?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter for legislation.
§ Mr. EVERARDDoes the right hon. Gentleman think the people of Scotland are more interested in the building of the houses or the cost of the foundations?