§ 2. Mr. Stephenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses are at present under construction by the housing departments of the Glasgow Corporation; how many were completed last year; and how many it is hoped to complete this year?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am informed that the number of houses presently under construction by Glasgow Corporation is 3,430. The corporation completed 2,788 houses in 1938, and hope to complete 3,000 this year.
§ 4. Mr. Stephenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications were received from householders in the Dennistoun, Whitevale, and Mile End wards of the Camlachie Parliamentary Division of Glasgow, respectively, during each of the last five years, for suitable housing accommodation; how many of those applications were successful; and how many applicants at the present time are waiting for houses to be allocated to them?
§ Mr. ColvilleI regret that the information asked for by the hon. Member is not available.
§ Mr. StephenCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the applications for Glasgow have been suspended for three months, and also whether the Glasgow Corporation housing department have not got the addresses of those who make application?
§ Mr. ColvilleI understand that the records are not kept in wards. A letter has been sent to the hon. Member giving such information as I have about the whole city in regard to these applications. As regards the first part of his supplementary question, I have no information about that, but I will inquire.
§ 7. Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the deplorable housing conditions in Millburn Park, Alexandria, where people have been living for two years in wooden huts; whether he will consult with the local authorities concerned with a view to providing permanent homes for these people before next winter; and whether he is aware that there are six ex-service men and 20 Territorials amongst the people who are seeking decent homes?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe conditions at Millburn Park, Alexandria, have been brought to my notice, and I am making further inquiries into the position.
§ Mr. KirkwoodIn the event of the right hon. Gentleman finding that the conditions are as stated in the question, will he rectify them at the very earliest moment, because these ex-service men and 40 Volunteers who are anxious to fight for their country are living in dread of having to go through another winter, and they have nowhere to lay their heads?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am making inquiries, and in consultation with the local authorities I will see what can be done.
§ 8. Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the serious shortage of houses in many of the urban districts of Scotland; whether he is aware that many working-class families now occupy highly-rented single-apartment houses as sub-tenants, with no security of tenure, and with no prospect of finding alternative accommodation when threatened with eviction; and whether any further action is to be taken to meet the shortage?
§ 13. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered a communication from the Culross Town Council approving the resolutions passed by the Convention of Royal Burghs on subsidies for reconstruction, and for tenants other than those affected by the Overcrowding and Slum Clearance Acts; and in view of the wide demand and the urgent need for action in this connection, will he take the necessary steps to provide these subsidies?
§ Mr. ColvilleI would refer to the statement which I made on the general housing position during the Debate on 4th July.
§ Mr. KennedyMay I take it that there is agreement that there is no shortage of material or of labour in Scotland as far as housing is concerned, and if that be so, what is the reason for the delay in the construction of houses?
§ Mr. ColvilleI could not make quite so broad a statement as that. In general, the position regarding material is pretty satisfactory, but there are some local difficulties as regards labour. I would add that I am receiving a deputation on the question of housing in Edinburgh on Friday.
§ Mr. GallacherDoes the right hon. Gentleman recognise the really serious urgency of this question, and will he do everything in his power to get the necessary means from the Treasury to advance the building of houses on the lines suggested?
§ Mr. ColvilleYes, Sir, I do recognise the urgency, and I have already taken steps which provide better subsidies for the purpose.
§ Mr. BuchananCan the right hon. Gentleman say why munition factories like that at Bishopton can spring up in next to no time, but when it comes to the building of houses there seems to be some unknown delay?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe hon. Member knows the difficulties with regard to local authorities and that the matter is not completely in my hands, but that I must work largely with the local authorities. I am as anxious as he is to see progress made.