2. Mr. Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that a family has been removed from a condemned house in Shaftesbury Lane, Glasgow, to a 13-roomed house at Queen's Gate, Dowanhill, Glasgow, which they are occupying at the same rent as they paid for their previous house; and whether, in view of the large number 1748 of big houses standing empty in the city and the urgent need to replace slums and relieve overcrowding, he will consider the advisability of giving Glasgow and other local authorities power to take over large empty houses, so that they can be made available for occupation by-working-class families?
§ Mr. ElliotWith regard to the first part of the question, I understand that a family comprising husband, wife, and four children, has recently removed from a condemned two-apartment house in Shaftesbury Lane, Glasgow, to a large house, which is in private ownership, at Queen's Gate, Dowanhill. I am not aware of the amount of rent which the family are paying. As regards the last part of the question, local authorities in Scotland already have power under the Housing Acts to acquire any houses or other buildings which are, or may be made, suitable as dwelling-houses for the working classes.
§ 6. Mr. Cassellsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the cost of house building is static as compared with the position as at 24th June, 1937; and what efforts have been made to control such inflated charges?
§ Mr. ElliotThere has been a slight reduction in the average cost of houses approved by the Department of Health in recent months as compared with the cost of houses approved in June, 1937. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the right hon. Member for West Stirling (Mr. Johnston) on 14th December as to the measures taken to augment the supply of labour and materials.
§ Mr. CassellsWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his answer, does he remember his answer of 24th June, 1937, that it was not possible to control the rise in cost of materials, and may I ask him what the policy of his party is with regard to the new wooden houses to be erected in Scotland?