HC Deb 01 March 1932 vol 262 cc928-9
11. Mr. McGOVERN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total shortage of houses for Glasgow; and how it is proposed to meet the shortage?

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

The latest estimate in my possession of the total shortage of houses in Glasgow is that contained in the general statement submitted in January, 1931, to the Department of Health for Scotland by the Corporation in terms of Sub-section two of Section twenty-two of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1930, namely 28,568 houses. To meet this shortage the Corporation propose to build during the three years 1931 to 1933, 19,500 houses.

Mr. McGOVERN

In view of the fact that a large number of poor people are being displaced from rooms as a result of the means test, will the hon. Member try to get a speeding-up in the provision of cheaper class houses for this area?

Mr. SKELTON

The local authorities have already had brought to their attention the necessity of speeding up the provision of additional houses.

Mr. McGOVERN

I would like to press this point further. The latest reply that I got shows that the proposals for the next 12 months will not meet the shortage, and I would like to ask further—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"] There is only one Chairman in the House. Kindly hold your tongues.