HC Deb 13 April 1937 vol 322 cc758-61
2. Mr. G. Hardie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the threat of the Scottish National Federation of Building Trades Employers to lock out the 95,000 workers in the industry because of a decision of the Glasgow Corporation to organise continuous employment for operatives and labourers on housing schemes; and what action he intends to take to prevent the employers' opposition towards proposals for improved organisation intended to increase the output of houses to replace slums?

Mr. Elliot

On the information at my disposal I have no reason to think that such action is contemplated as that to which the hon. Member refers. On the contrary, I am glad to say that the employers' and operatives' organisations, in association with my Department, are considering the means by which the output of houses can be increased.

Mr. Hardie

Is it not the case that they threatened to lock out the men unless they obeyed their instructions?

Mr. Elliot

I have no such information, but, in any case, they are now co-operating to increase the supply.

Mr. Macquisten

Do we gather from this question that the Glasgow Corporation are getting busy with building schemes?

7. Mr. T. Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that between March, 1936, and March, 1937, the cost of materials required for Glasgow housing schemes has risen: timber, 45 per cent., flooring, 56 per cent., British sheet lead, 84 per cent., steel rods, 38 per cent., white lead for paint, 63 per cent., composition bricks, 20 per cent.; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that house-building may proceed otherwise than at a cost of construction which involves local authorities in an expenditure which they will be unable to recover in increased rent?

Mr. Elliot

I am aware that since March, 1936, and particularly within the last few months, there have been substantial increases in the cost of certain of the materials required for housing schemes in Glasgow, and in Scotland generally. Fluctuations in the prices of materials both upwards and downwards are an ordinary feature of the market and in general an increased price has the effect of producing more ample supplies, with a subsequent price reaction. I realise, however, the importance of the position to local authorities, and the whole question of the supply and cost of building materials is receiving my consideration.

Mr. Johnston

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the figures in the question are official figures taken from actual tender estimates in the possession of the Corporation of Glasgow?

Mr. Macquisten

Does not the right hon. Gentleman now see the lamentable want of foresight in not going on with building schemes when markets were low?

Mr. Johnston

May I have an answer to my question?

Mr. Elliot

As far as I understand, these figures relate only to direct purchases of material by Glasgow Corporation, and not to the general market prices. In some cases the market prices are lower than these, as in the case of bricks, and in some cases they are higher, as in the case of timber, but it is generally agreed that there has been a rise in many important building materials in recent months.

Mr. Leonard

Does the rise in these prices correspond with the normal in-crease generally, or is it excessive?

Mr. Elliot

I would have a little difficulty in answering that question offhand. There is a general trend towards a higher rate for primary products of all kinds, as, for instance coal, wheat and timber.

8. Mr. Maxton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made since the passing of the Housing Act, 1935, in combating the problem of overcrowding in Scotland; and in how many places has the appointed day been fixed?

Mr. Elliot

Since the passing of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1935, tenders have been approved for 36,012 houses and 24,377 houses have been completed. These houses are not specifically approved for subsidy purposes under either the Act of 1930 or the Act of 1935, but, under arrangements designed to secure that the most economical use is made of the new accommodation they are used for slum clearance or overcrowding purposes as local circumstances or needs may dictate. There is no record of the number of families actually removed from overcrowded houses prior to 1st April, 1936, but from that date to 28th February, 1937, 6,444 families living in overcrowded conditions were rehoused. The appointed day under the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1935, has so far been fixed for only one area, namely, the Dysart Ward of the Burgh of Kirkcaldy. The date fixed in this instance is 15th May, 1937.

Mr. Maxton

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with that progress?

Mr. Elliot

No, I am not. I do not think anybody could be satisfied with the rate of construction of houses in Scotland to-day. That is why I am giving as much time as possible for methods for speeding up house building in Scotland.

Mr. Mathers

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the progress will be not speeded up, but slowed down, because of the increase in the price of materials required in house building, and is he taking any steps to check that or to give a higher subsidy?