§ 23. Mr. SCRYMGEOUR - WEDDERBURNasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied that Scottish local authorities are giving sufficient attention to architectural design, and other amenities, in the preparation of their building schemes?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)The practical importance of design and amenity in housing schemes has been strongly impressed upon Scottish local authorities during the last few years and my right hon. Friend is satisfied that much more attention is being paid to the matter than formerly. A recommendation of the Scottish Architectural Advisory Committee that local authorities should submit sketch plans to the Department of Health for approval has been adopted and the architectural staff of the Department has been recently strengthened in order that these plans including design and amenity may be given expert scrutiny. The services of Professor Abercrombie as consultant architect are also available.
§ Mr. SCRYMGEOUR-WEDDERBURNHas my hon. and gallant Friend's attention been drawn to the new housing scheme for the burgh of Johnstone, and will be consider recommending to other local authorities the example of this burgh which has successfully addressed itself to this important subject?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI understand that good work has been done in that area, and I will consider the suggestion.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYHas my hon. and gallant Friend directed the attention of local authorities to the report of the Department of Health for Scotland on continental housing?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe report is well known.