HC Deb 09 February 1926 vol 191 cc846-7
97. Mr. T. HENDERSON

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Government intends proceeding with: the erection of the Weir type of steel house in view of the official architect's report submitted to certain West of Scotland authorities?

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)

The answer is in the affirmative. Messrs. Weir are taking the necessary steps to remove the defects mentioned in the architect's report, and to prevent their occurrence in future.

98 Mr. WESTWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he has yet completed his inquiries into the housing demands in the Gala Water district of Midlothian, Gorebridge area; and, if so, what action has he taken to compel the local authority to erect houses;

(2) how many houses have been built under the various Government subsidy schemes in the Gala Water district of Midlothian;

(3) how many houses are of one, two, and three apartments, respectively, in the Gala Water district of Midlothian, with the number of occupants of the respective types of houses?

Sir J. GILMOUR

As the result of further communication between the Scottish Board of Health and the local authority, it has been ascertained that the latter have been unable to make any definite progress owing to the inadequacy of the water supply. I understand that the local authority are at present considering a report which they have received on the subject from their engineers. Ten houses have been built in this district under State-assisted housing schemes. At the date of the 1921 Census, there were in the district 113 houses of one apartment, 630 of two apartments, and 397 of three apartments. The Census Returns show that 310 persons were living in houses of one apartment, 2,607 in houses of two apartments, and 1,806 in houses of three apartments.

Mr. WESTWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that repeated applications have been made to the county council to get on with their building scheme, and that those on the spot declare that there is a sufficient water supply for at least an additional 100 houses, if only the county authorities would get on with the building?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I understand that they are considering the scheme. I regret the delay, which I think is unfortunate.