§ 34. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities have applied to build houses under the 1933 Act; how many private builders and friendly societies have offered to build under the same Act; and, in view of the inadequacy of the subsidy under this Act for municipal houses, will he consider introducing an amending Act which will stimulate house building by local authorities?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Skelton)Five local authorities have already applied for and obtained approval to the erection of 677 282 houses with the aid of subsidy under Section 1 of the Housing (Financial Provisions) (Scotland) Act, 1933, and 20 local authorities are known to be formulating schemes covering 1,435 houses. Proposals by private builders and societies for the erection of houses under Section 3 of the Act fall to be made to local authorities in the first place, and I understand that several inquiries have been received. No applications have, however, yet been submitted for the approval of the Department of Health to guarantees under the Section. As regards the last part of the question my right hon. Friend does not agree, on the information at present before him, that the subsidy available under Section 1 of the Act is inadequate. The housing situation with regard to the matters raised in the question will be very carefully watched but my right hon. Friend is not of opinion that legislation dealing with them is necessary at present.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied with the information from his Office, and that everything is as it might be, as far as getting on with the building of houses in Scotland is concerned?
§ Mr. SKELTONI am never satisfied that everything is perfect. I am satisfied that the £3 subsidy is going to be of use, and I am satisfied that we must for a time continue the experiment under Section 3, and, of course, we are getting on with slum clearance very well.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied with the attempt which is being made, and is it in keeping with his expectations at the time the Bill was brought in, originally?
§ Mr. SKELTONOn the whole, I am satisfied, but that kind of question is not suitable for answer at Question Time. One is never absolutely satisfied. If I were satisfied, it would not be worth while being in this job.
§ 38. Mr. GUYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the report of the Scottish Housing Committee is likely to be published?
§ Mr. SKELTONI am informed that the report is in an advanced state of preparation, but I cannot yet say when it will be received. It will be published with all expedition.