§ 25. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if it is the intention of the Government to continue the subsidy for housing beyond the 178 present time limit, owing to the large number of houses which will not qualify for same?
§ The UNDERSECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Skelton)I assume the hon. Member refers to the subsidies payable under the Housing, etc., Act, 1923, and the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924. These subsidies fell to be reviewed after the 1st October, 1933. A draft Order has been laid before the House for approval under which houses being built by private enterprise must be completed by 31st March to qualify for subsidy and houses being built by local authorities and not completed by 30th June will qualify for a reduced subsidy of £3 a house.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that the local authorities are finding considerable difficulty in finishing their houses by the 30th June, owing to certain circumstances, and has he, along with the Secretary of State for Scotland, considered that matter in view of the representations from the city of Glasgow?
§ Mr. SKELTONYes. The matter is under consideration. The existence of a strike is, of course, under consideration.
§ Mr. BUCHANANCan the hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to make any statement on the subject, in view of its great urgency to local authorities in Scotland?
§ Mr. SKELTONNo. I think any question relating to the strike should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.
§ Mr. BUCHANANBut apart from the strike—
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe cannot have a Debate.
§ Mr. TRAINIs my hon. Friend aware that there is a plasterers' strike on and that it is impossible to finish these houses—