41. Mr. McKIEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any further information with regard to the delay of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland in providing new houses on the estate of the Department at Terregles, Kirkcudbrightshire?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe agreements were signed by the holders concerned and plans of the new houses were lodged with the local authority at the end of last week. On the approval of the plans by the local authority offers already received for the erection of the houses can be accepted. No avoidable delay has occurred.
Mr. McKIEIn view of the answer, and the special point which the right hon. Gentleman has made with regard to local authorities in the South West of Scotland having done so well in housing schemes, will he impress on the Scottish Office that they may be setting a very bad example?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI shall have to have the views of the local authorities on that matter before I say anything like that.