§ 18. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses at present being built in the city of Glasgow, the number for which plans are prepared but not started, and the 1498 number of houses which can be built on land bought but for which no plans are yet prepared; and if he is satisfied that the full number of workers available are at present employed?
§ Sir J. GILMOURAccording to the returns received by the Scottish Board of Health as at 31st March last, the number of subsidised houses under construction in Glasgow was 5,914 and the number approved for subsidy but not commenced was 4,399. I am informed that the number of houses that might be built on land bought by the Corporation but for which no plans are yet prepared is £2,000. As regards the last part of the question, I understand that, as compared with February, the number of unemployed in the building trades in Glasgow in March showed a decrease in all trades and that that decrease over all the building trades was approximately 30 per cent.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in reply to a previous question he agreed to consult local authorities to see whether more building workers could not be employed? Has he consulted the local authorities at all?
§ Sir J. GILMOUREvery effort is being made by the Department to stimulate further progress in building.
§ Mr. ERNEST BROWNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that an answer he gave me shows there is a great increase in unemployed building workers all over Scotland, especially carpenters?
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, although Glasgow shows a decrease in building trade workers, other parts of Scotland are showing an increase? Gould nothing be done to stimulate housing, and to see that these workers are employed?
§ Sir J. GILMOUREvery effort is being made by my Department to stimulate the production of housing.
§ 19. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that house owners in Glasgow are refusing to repair or maintain washhouses which are required by householders for the purpose of cleanliness; that the local authority at present have no power to enforce repairs; that this is harmful for 1499 health and sanitation; and if, in view of the provision of the Rent Restriction Acts allowing 25 per cent. increase for repairs, he proposes to take any action to have the position remedied?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have no information as to the state of affairs mentioned in the first part of the question, but I am making inquiries into the matter and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.
§ 25. Mr. STEPHENasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses inhabited but certified unfit for human habitation in Glasgow at 31st March, 1928; the number of houses completed and occupied at that date under the slum clearance scheme; the number under construction; and the number authorised under the same scheme??
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am informed that in Glasgow as at 31st March last (1) the number of houses inhabited but certified
| STATEMENT showing as at 31st March, 1927, and 31st March, 1928, specified particulars as regards houses being erected under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924, respectively. | |||||
| Date. | Housing, etc. Act, 1923 (including Slum Clearance Schemes). | Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924. | |||
| Number of subsidised houses under construction. | Number of houses authorised but not commenced. | Number of subsidised houses under construction. | Number of houses authorised but not commenced. | ||
| As at— | |||||
| 31st March, 1927 | … | 5,721 | 2,839 | 14,115 | 4,501 |
| 31st March, 1928 | … | 5,474 | 2,267 | 12,627 | 6,451 |