§ 31. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses are under construction in connection with the 1924 and 1930 Acts; will he state how many local authorities have refused to proceed with housing schemes; what is the estimated shortage of houses in Scotland; how many building workers are unemployed; and what action he intends to take to expedite the building of houses by local authorities
§ Mr. SKELTONAt the 30th September last the number of houses in course of construction under the 1924 and 1930 Acts was 14,447. The corresponding figure for September, 1931, was 9,894. Two local authorities have stated that they do not intend to proceed with further housing schemes. No recent estimate has been received from local authorities of the shortage of houses Scotland, but the general statements furnished by them in 1930 under the Housing (Scotland) Act, 3930, estimated that 67,464 houses were required to replace unfit houses, to abate overcrowding, and for other miscellaneous reasons. In estimating the shortage at the present date, account must be taken of the 10,654 houses which were completed in 1931, the 11,412 which have been completed in the first nine months of 1932, and the 18,180 under construction at 30th September, 1932. At the 26th September last the number of insured workmen in the building trades who were unemployed was 22,449, including 1,118 temporarily out of work. Having regard to the large increase in house building by local authorities, my right hon. Friend does not consider that any special action is required.