HC Deb 19 November 1936 vol 317 cc1919-20
75. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date the Glasgow Corporation completed the building and occupancy of 40,000 houses; and the number of houses now completed and occupied?

Mr. WEDDERBURN

The building and occupancy of 40,000 houses by the corporation was completed in October, 1935. To 31st October, 1936, the latest date for which figures are available, 43,211 houses had been completed by the corporation and occupied.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the hon. Gentleman anything like satisfied with the progress that is being made in a city like Glasgow, with its shocking housing conditions?

Mr. WEDDERBURN

I am sure that the corporation would be the first to agree that the progress that has been made during the last 12 months will have to be very much accelerated before it can be regarded as satisfactory, and I have every hope that they will proceed with its acceleration.

Mr. BUCHANAN

What steps is the hon. Gentleman taking, in view of the terrible conditions in the city, to see that the programme is being accelerated, because instead of going up, the programme is actually now going down?

Mr. SHINWELL

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in respect of housing the Labour corporation in Glasgow is one of the most progressive in the country?

Mr. WEDDERBURN

I am afraid it is the case that there has been a falling off last year in the number of houses built, but it will be, I am sure, acknowledged that a number of peculiar difficultties exist there, and I have every hone that the corporation will do their best to overcome them and accelerate their programme. In reply to the hon. Member's supplementary question, my right hon. Friend will certainly do his best to see that that is done.

Sir JOHN HASLAM

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us what is the chief cause of the delay in this housing programme in Glasgow?

Mr. WEDDERBURN

I am told that one cause is the fact that at present the Glasgow Corporation have some difficulty in getting enough bricklayers.

Mr. STEPHEN

Is it not the case that the difficulty cannot have been owing to the shortage of bricklayers, but because they have not got a scheme at the present time for the number of houses?