§ 20. Mr. MARCUSasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of subsidy-aided houses completed and ready for occupation in Scotland in 1929 by local authorities and private enterprise respectively; the number of houses erected without subsidy during that year; and if he can estimate the number of houses which will normally be completed in 1930 by local authorities and private enterprise respectively?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThe numbers of subsidy-aided houses completed and ready for occupation in Scotland in 1929 by local authorities and private enterprise respectively were 14,316 and 3,924. The number of houses erected without subsidy during that year was 1,275. As regards the last part of the question, I regret that under present conditions I am not in a position to give any reliable estimate of the number of houses that will normally be completed in 1930 by local authorities and private enterprise respectively.
§ Sir K. WOODIs it not fairly evident that there will be a very severe drop in the figures?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONOn the contrary, the facts warrant the assumption that there will be an increase.
§ 21. Mr. MARCUSasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider the advisability of empowering local authorities to utilise empty dwelling-houses fit for habitation, or to levy occupiers' rates on all such dwelling-houses which are withheld from occupation?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONAs regards the first part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the powers which local authorities already possess under paragraph (c) of Sub-section (1) of Section 43 of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1925, to 1926 provide housing accommodation for the working classes by acquiring existing houses suitable for the purpose. The proposal in the latter part of the question would require legislation, as to which my right hon. Friend can give no undertaking.
§ Mr. C. WILLIAMSDoes the hon. Gentleman consider that he has adequate powers to deal with housing?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONI shall be glad to have notice of that question.