§ 74. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the price paid for the ground in the Gaingad District being used for the building of Weir houses; how long the ground had been idle; whether the owner paid any rates upon that ground; and what is the name of the owner?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)I am informed that the agreed price for the ground in Gaingad District, being used for the building of steel houses by the Second Scottish National Housing Company (Housing Trust), Limited, is £3,125, which includes £1,500 for streets and sewers; that the ground has been idle for about 20 years; that rates were paid upon this ground; and that the owners are Archibald Stewart's Trustees.
§ Mr. HARDIEWhat was the basis upon which rates were paid on that land? Was it on the basis of vacant land or the subjects on that land?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI think it is very undesirable that this question should be put to me, because it relates to a transaction that was carried out, with proper authority, by the Scottish National Housing Company.
§ Mr. HARDIEWhat we want to understand in Glasgow is whether the Government is the body with which we have to deal when we ask questions, or whether we have to go to Edinburgh and ask the company? So far as this ground is concerned, I want to know whether the purchase was made by the Government or for the Government, and is the ground now owned by the Government or the company, or with whom are we to assume the responsibility for the ownership of that ground rests?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe company is the body which purchased the ground and the Government have a representative on the company.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs the ground now the property of the Scottish National Housing Company or is it the property of the Government, and will the right hon. Gentleman say who has paid the money for it?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe ground is the property of the company and will be administered by the company.
§ Mr. HARDIEIf the ground is the property of the company and it has been bought with the money of the Government, how does the right hon. Gentleman square that with the statement he made and which the Prime Minister made about leaving nothing in the way of houses being put up?
§ 75. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is making inquiries regarding the vacant ground on the north side of Alexandra Parade and Cumbernauld Road, Glasgow, with a view to house building?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI presume the hon. Member refers to inquiries regarding vacant ground on which to erect some of the steel houses to be built by the Second Scottish National Housing Com- 2295 pany (Housing Trust), Limited, and I am informed that no inquiries are being made by the Housing Trust regarding a site for these houses on the north side of Alexandra Parade and Cumbernauld Road.
§ Mr. HARDIEWhy is the right hon. Gentleman not getting something done in regard to this good ground, instead of the old ground for which he has been paying, and where foundations cannot be got in? It is swindling away Government money—[Interruption.]