HC Deb 16 March 1926 vol 193 cc227-8
26. Mr. HARDIE

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the £3,125 paid for the site, etc., at Forestfield Street, Garngad Hill, Glasgow, on which to erect Weir houses, was paid entirely for the ground belonging to Archibald Stewart's trustees; and if he is aware that the ground for which £3,125 was paid appears in the valuation roll of the Glasgow eorporation at £1 a year?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am informed that the sum paid, which covered also the value of streets and sewers, was entirely for ground belonging to Archibald Stewart's trustees, and that the annual rateable value of this ground as appearing in the Glasgow Valuation Roll was£1.

Mr. HARDIE

May I ask if, before this ground was paid for, someone examined it to see whether it was suitable ground for carrying buildings?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Yes, Sir, certainly.

Mr. HARDIE

Has it been found suitable for building, and are there not special conditions attached to the putting in of foundations in that land?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am not aware of any circumstances which will prevent the land from being used.

Mr. HARDIE

I am referring to the normal act of building. Is it not the fact that this ground, which has been paid for, is not solid land, but is part of an old pit, and that difficulty is being found in getting the foundations in; and will the cost of these foundations be borne by the Government or by the Scottish National Housing Company?

Mr. SPEAKER

A question of that kind should be put down.

Mr. HARDIE

I will pat down a question.

27. Mr. HARDIE

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any other land was bought for the erection of houses adjoining that belonging to Archibald Stewart's trustees at Forestfield Street, Glasgow; and, if so, will he state the name of the owner, the price paid and the annual rateable valuation of the land?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Other land to the extent of 1½ acres adjoining the site already acquired in the Garngad district has been purchased. The owners were Lord Glenconner's trustees. The price, which covers also the value of streets and sewers already laid, was £700, and. according to the Glasgow valuation roll, the annual rateable value is £7 10s.