§ 68 and 69. Mr. Erskine Hillasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he will consider giving subsidies to local authorities which will enable them to utilise old but reconditioned buildings with a view to housing the working classes in the neighbourhood in which they are accustomed to live; and, in the event of wider powers being necessary to enable him to grant such subsidies, will he take steps to get increased powers;
(2) whether he is willing to give subsidies to recondition houses condemned in their present state and to establish the same principle under which subsidies are given or are to be given in rural neighbourhoods either for building new houses or for reconditioning old ones?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe Associations of Local Authorities have submitted representations on this subject which are now being considered in connection with the negotiations now proceeding with regard to the revision of housing subsidies.
§ Mr. Erskine HillIn giving consideration to this question, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the natural preference of people who are affected by these demolition schemes, to be rehoused wherever practicable in the area in which they have been accustomed to live?
§ Mr. ColvilleI think that certainly is being borne in mind.
§ Mr. MathersWill the right hon. Gentleman also keep in mind the fact that, very often, this reconditioning is to meet a temporary need only?