HC Deb 04 May 1937 vol 323 cc956-7
61. Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any statement to make regarding the decision of the Linlithgow Town Council not to proceed with the building of houses on the West Port site owing to the tenders showing that the cost per house would be 100 per cent. above that paid for similar houses; and whether he proposes to take steps to enable the council to proceed with these houses?

Mr. Elliot

I understand that a substantial part of the high cost of the proposed houses at West Port, Linlithgow, is due to the fact that they are of stone construction and are designed to harmonise with the existing architecture in the main street of the burgh. The total number of houses involved is only 19 and the decision of the town council not to proceed with these houses meantime should not seriously affect general progress with housing in Linlithgow.

Mr. Mathers

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the increase in, industrial activity in Linlithgow and the imperative need for proceeding with new houses as quickly as possible; and does not the fact of this very large increase in building costs point to the need for some action on the right hon. Gentleman's part?

Mr. Elliot

The matter is hardly one which can be discussed at Question Time, but I have had the whole matter under serious consideration with the housing authority.

64. Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the resolution from the town council of Armadale asking for the housing subsidy to be increased to the equivalent of the 1924 Act figure, owing to the increasing costs which are attributed to the Government's armament policy; and whether he proposes to take any action?

Mr. Elliot

I have seen a copy of the resolution referred to, and I would refer the hon. Member to the general statement regarding housing subsidies in Scotland which I made in reply to a question by him on 23rd March. I am not in a position to add anything to that statement.

Mr. Mathers

The right hon. Gentleman has just said in reply to a former question of mine that he has been in consultation with the local housing authority. May we be informed of the results of the consultations

Mr. Elliot

That matter cannot be discussed at Question Time. There are many opportunities, and I shall be happy to discuss it with the hon. Gentleman after questions, if he desires.

Mr. Davidson

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give the Scottish Members at least: any indication whether agreement was reached at these consultations on the question of building materials?

Mr. Elliot

It was not a question of reaching agreement, but of going over the difficulties which local authorities are experiencing.

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the general consensus of opinion that if prices go up the subsidy should go up, is it not necessary to raise the subsidy in view of the rise in the cost of building materials?