HC Deb 26 April 1932 vol 265 cc199-200
27. Mr. TRAIN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total number of houses built under the Addison scheme in Scotland; and what is the amount subscribed per annum by the State in respect of these houses?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Skelton)

The total number of houses built under the Addison scheme in Scotland is 25,550. The annual amount subscribed by the State under the scheme varies in accordance with the yearly deficit. For the year ended the 31st March, 1932, the contribution of the State amounted to £976,995.

Mr. TRAIN

Is it the case that a number of these Addison scheme houses have been sold, and is it the policy of the present Government to sell as many as possible, in order to relieve the State of part of the contribution of £1,000,000 of which my hon. Friend spoke?

Mr. SKELTON

It is the case that, of some 400 Addison houses built by public utility societies, 198 have been sold, and that to that extent relief has been given to the public contribution. I am afraid that I cannot say that any practicable method of an enlarged scheme of selling has yet been thought of, but personally I should be very glad to see the process of sale encouraged and extended.

Sir J. LAMB

Can my hon. Friend say how many of these houses were almost sold?

Mr. SKELTON

That will require another question.