HC Deb 15 November 1927 vol 210 cc814-5
31. Mr. WESTWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities have been granted authority to proceed with housing schemes, but have not done so, giving the names of the respective authorities and their reasons for not proceeding with the schemes so sanctioned?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am informed that in Scotland 19 local authorities who have been granted authority to proceed with State-assisted housing schemes have not done so. As the details of the reasons for not proceeding in these cases are somewhat lengthy, I propose to communicate them to the hon. Member in a statement.

Captain STREATFEILD

Is the right hon. Gentleman entirely satisfied with the progress made in rural housing in Scotland?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Not entirely, but I think material progress is being made.

34. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his Department have yet sanctioned the new housing scheme by the Glasgow Corporation known as the Bellahouston scheme; if so, when such sanction was given, and if the scheme has yet been proceeded with; and, if not, when it is proposed to make a start?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am informed that on the 16th August last the Scottish Board of Health gave tentative approval to the tenders for the proposed houses, but that their erection is delayed owing to a question having arisen between the corporation and the adjoining feuars as to the right of the latter under their titles to require the houses to be built in stone instead of in brick and rough- cast as proposed. Negotiations are still proceeding between the parties.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the fact that the holding up of this scheme is causing unemployment to a fair number of men, can the right hon. Gentleman not take steps to have the negotiations brought to an early conclusion?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I understand that every effort is being made by my Department to see that there is no delay.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Seeing that there has already been a delay of several months, and that numbers of men are out of work and costing the country money, can the right hon. Gentleman not take greater steps than he has already taken to bring these negotiations to a conclusion?