§ 37. Mr. Westwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the demand by Scottish housing authorities for financial assistance for the building of working-class houses for the normal development of the population and of industry, particularly mining development in Fife; and what action does he propose?
§ Mr. ColvilleI have received representations from a number of local authorities in favour of grants-in-aid of the cost of providing houses to meet the ordinary needs of the population. Parliament has, however, endorsed the view that, having regard to the present housing conditions in Scotland, local authorities should still continue to concentrate on building for the replacement of unfit houses and for the relief of overcrowding. I am informed that in agreement with the Commissioner for the Special Areas in Scotland the Nuffield Trustees have entered into arrangements with four coal companies, of which one is in Fife, under which assistance will be given in the building of houses to meet the needs of new developments.
§ 58. Mr. Stephenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of single-apartment houses in the Camlachie Parliamentary Division of Glasgow which are occupied by five or more persons; the number of two-apartment houses which are occupied by six or more persons; and the number of such houses occupied by eight or more persons?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe most recent survey of overcrowding was carried out in 1935 and disclosed that there were at that time 166 one-apartment houses occupied by five or more persons; 687 two-apartment houses occupied by six or more persons; and six one-apartment houses and 108 two-apartment houses occupied by eight or more persons.
§ 59. Mr. Stephenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Costs of House building in Scotland will be available?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am informed that the Committee is now considering a draft of its report and I expect to have it within the next few weeks.
§ 60. Mr. Stephenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses are being built in the Barrow field scheme, in the Camlachie Parliamentary Division, Glasgow; whether they are being built as slum-clearance houses or intermediate houses; and when it is expected that the houses will be available for occupation?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe scheme being carried out by the Corporation of Glasgow at Barrow field will comprise 480 houses. Whether they will be used for the relief of slums or of overcrowding will not be decided until they are nearing completion. Work on the scheme has now begun, and it is expected that about 50 of the houses will be ready for occupation by the end of this year, and the remainder at varying dates up to the end of 1940.
§ Mr. StephenIn view of the figures which the right hon. Gentleman gave previously with regard to the housing shortage in this Parliamentary Division, will he not use his influence with the local authority to expedite the building of the houses in this scheme?
§ Mr. ColvilleI will look into that.
§ Sir John HaslamWill the right hon. Gentleman get some advice from experienced towns such as Manchester and Bolton, and the Lancashire councils, to assist his Department and get these houses erected?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am very anxious to get information which can be helpful, and I am looking into the point about the rate of building which was indicated to me.