HC Deb 01 March 1933 vol 275 cc373-4
32. Mr. DUNCAN GRAHAM

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, having regard to the precedent of 1928, when an extra year was granted for the completion of 'State-aided houses under the 1924 Act in Scotland, and having regard also to the desire that slum-clearance schemes should be prosecuted with the utmost vigour, he will be prepared, in view of the anxiety of local authorities to be informed of their position after 1st October next, to make an announcement now as to any extended date by which houses eligible for the present rates of subsidy must be completed?

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

My right hon. Friend fully appreciates the anxiety of local authorities in this matter which is at present under his consideration.

Mr. HICKS

Do I take it that steps will be taken to communicate to the authorities the end of the period during which the subsidy will be paid, in order that there may not be a rush, with men working overtime and then becoming unemployed? Would it be possible to communicate the dates upon which the subsidies will finish, in order that the work may be spread over?

Mr. SKELTON

I cannot add more definitely to my answer at the moment further than to say that the precedents of the previous occasions in 1926 and 1928 are being kept in mind.