§ 12. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that, owing to the prolonged depression 186 in the shipbuilding industry, the town council of the Burgh of Clydebank has experienced great difficulty in raising loans for housing schemes, and of the overcrowding in Clydebank, and the necessity of expediting a building programme; that the local council has applied to the Board of Health to recommend the Public Works Loan Board to facilitate a loan; and what steps, if any, he has taken in the matter?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)I am aware that the local authority of the Burgh of Clydebank have experienced difficulty in raising loans for their housing schemes. The Scottish Board of Health have been in communication with the Treasury on the subject and the decision of that Department has now been communicated to the local authority.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Town Council of Clydebank, through municipal banks and otherwise, have done their best, and that it is by the policy adopted by the Government in further flooding the market with ships that Clydebank is in such a state at present? I want to know, owing to these special circumstances, if the Secretary of State would not facilitate a loan?
§ Sir J. GILMOURA communication has been made to the burgh, and advice has been tendered to them on the subject. I think it advisable to await the result of this.
§ Mr. COUPERIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that instead of prolonged depression in Clydebank, as suggested in the question, shipbuilding is very much better than it has been for many years past?