HC Deb 28 June 1938 vol 337 cc1676-9
2 and 4. Sir Douglas Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (I) the total number of new houses required in Aberdeen to replace unfit houses and to put an end to overcrowding; how many houses were built for these purposes during 1937; and how many is it estimated will be built for these purposes during 1938;

(2) the percentage of overcrowded houses in Aberdeen and how long will it take to end overcrowding in that area at the present rate of building?

Mr. Colville

The report on the overcrowding survey carried out by the corporation in the winter of 1935, which contains the latest information available on the subject, shows that 23.8 per cent. of the fit houses in the city were overcrowded and that 7,088 new houses were required to put an end to overcrowding and to replace unfit houses. For these two purposes the corporation completed 526 houses in 1937, and they expect to complete 800 in 1938.

Sir D. Thomson

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how this progress compares with the progress in other burghs in Scotland?

Mr. Colville

I should require notice of that question.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that unless something is done for the fishing population of Aberdeen, they will be quite unable to pay the rent for these new houses when they are taken out of their overcrowded conditions?

3. Sir D. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses have been built by the Scottish Special Areas Housing Association?

Mr. Colville

Tenders have been approved by the association for 66 houses in timber, of which two have been completed and occupied. In addition, the association have commenced to build 494 concrete houses and have schemes in hand covering 1,350 additional houses.

11. Mr. McGovern

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state the needs of Glasgow in new houses for the purpose of slum clearance, overcrowding, and those who at present are unhoused; the number of houses built last year; the number per month to be built this year; and how many years it will take to rehouse those sections at the present rate of building?

Mr. Colville

At the beginning of 1936, the latest date for which information is available, the corporation estimated that a total of 65,000 new houses were required for the relief of overcrowding, the replacement of unfit houses and ordinary requirements. The number of houses completed by the corporation during 1937 was 1,841. With regard to the last part of the question, the corporation completed 1,081 houses during the first five months of this year and they expect to complete 2,054 additional houses by 31st December next, making a total of 3,135 for the whole year or an average of 261 per month.

Mr. McGovern

As regards the last part of my question, how long will it take to house the population at this rate?

Mr. Colville

It is really impossible to make a forecast, because the rate does not necessarily continue the same, but I am hopeful from the improvement which is shown that there will be an acceleration in the provision of houses.

Mr. McGovern

In view of the great dissatisfaction regarding the rate of progress, will the right hon. Gentleman set up some form of inquiry into the housing question in Glasgow in order to see that all various methods of providing houses are gone into, as there is no chance of home life for a large percentage of the population unless this housing problem is solved?

Sir John Haslam

Will the right hon. Gentleman send a deputation from these towns in Scotland to Lancashire, to towns like Manchester and Bolton, where they will get lessons in housing?

Mr. Colville

I do not think I can deal with this subject by way of question and answer, but there may be an opportunity on the Estimates of discussing what I agree is an important point, that is, the progress of housing.

Mr. McGovern

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter at the first available opportunity.

13. Mr. Westwood

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the negotiations with the local authorities, with reference to the rates of subsidy for housing in Scotland, are still proceeding and with what results?

Mr. Colville

The negotiations are still proceeding, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement on the matter.

Mr. Westwood

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when these negotiations will be concluded, because local authori- ties are afraid to proceed with their housing programme until they know exactly what the housing subsidies are to be?

Mr. Colville

I cannot name a date, but I can assure the hon. Member that I realise the importance of arriving at a decision as soon as possible.

18. Sir Malcolm Barclay-Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland which local authorities in Scotland have already erected timber houses; and what is the number of houses erected in each case?

Mr. Colville

Figures relating to the number of wooden houses built by local authorities in Scotland since 1918 were given in reply to a question by the hon. and learned Member for Greenock (Mr. R. Gibson) on 28th March. Since that date the Department of Health have approved tenders for the erection of 262 timber houses by the County Council of Lanark and four by the County Council of Angus.

Mr. Maxton

As the people of Scotland could be housed in good solid granite and sandstone 100 years ago, will the right hon. Gentleman see to it that he does not descend to this inferior substitute now?

Mr. Colville

I understood that the hon. Member's colleague a few moments ago wanted me to investigate every method which would help the housing conditions in Glasgow.

Mr. Maxton

I hope that the right hon. Gentleman will not understand that he is expected to start jerry building?

Mr. Colville

No, Sir, but timber may well be examined as an alternative building material in the present situation.

Mr. Robert Gibson

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how long it would take to build a house of granite?