§ 5. Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to introduce the new Housing Bill for Scotland; whether he can give any particulars of the types of houses that are to be built; whether they will be let at rentals within the means of the people for whom they are being built; and what amount of State assistance will be provided per house?
§ Mr. SKELTONMy right hon. Friend proposes to introduce the Bill next Session. With regard to the second and 948 third parts of the question, the object of the Bill will be to stimulate the erection of houses which can be let at rents within the means of people, living in overcrowded conditions, who cannot afford to pay ordinary rents. With regard to the last part, the hon. Member must await the publication of the Bill.
§ 6. Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the strike which held up the completion of the corporation housing schemes in Glasgow has now been terminated; that the houses cannot now be completed within the period required to obtain the larger subsidy; and whether, in view of the loss of approximately £280,000 which this will place on the Glasgow Corporation, he will take the necessary steps to extend the time limit of the subsidy at the higher rate?
§ Mr. SKELTONThe answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on this subject given on the 31st May.
§ Mr. MACLEANCan the hon. Gentleman tell the House whether there has been an extension of the subsidy period in other parts of the country where it was found impossible for the local authority to build the houses within the stipulated period, and can he see his way to have a similar extension permitted in Glasgow?
§ Mr. SKELTONI think I am right in saying that there has been no extension in either country beyond the extension stated by Parliament.