§ 44. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the Special Areas Housing Association has not yet built any timber houses; and what is the reason for the delay on the part of local authorities in building such houses, in view of the readiness of various contractors to undertake immediate erection?
§ Mr. ColvilleBefore the association could begin building, they had to acquire land and prepare plans and specifications. Contracts have, however, been placed for 64 timber houses; tenders for 218 have been received or invited; and schemes for over 800 are actually in hand. Local authorities are also making progress with timber construction. Tenders have been approved for 400 timber houses, of which six have been completed. In addition, 15 authorities have decided to build over 2,100 timber houses, and several other authorities have the adoption of schemes under consideration.
Mr. StewartIs not much of the delay due to unnecessary argument among the architects on the question of obtaining a suitable and simple design?