§ 3. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the erection of timber houses in Scotland is being held up for lack of timber, much of which is imported from Canada; and what steps he proposes to take to facilitate the importation of such timber and to expedite the erection of houses in Scotland?
§ Mr. ColvilleI have made inquiries and I understand that the building of timber houses in Scotland is not being held up by any general shortage of timber supplies.
§ Mr. GibsonHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to the fact that the building of 100 timber houses in Greenock has been held up because it is alleged that a cargo of timber bought from Canada was held up, and will he look into the matter?
§ Mr. ColvilleI have had information about the Greenock case and am told that there have been some site difficulties, and that consequently certain orders were delayed, but I understand that the timber has now arrived.
§ Mr. KirkwoodWill the Secretary of State tell us whether wooden houses are a success in Scotland?
§ Mr. ColvilleYes, Sir. In some cases they have been proved to be very successful.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartCan the right hon. Gentleman say what steps are being taken to expedite the erection of these timber houses?
§ Mr. ColvilleI could not, within the compass of an answer to a question, say all that is being done, but a good deal of effort is being devoted at the present time to the building of these houses.
§ Mr. GibsonIs it the case that there is such a great lack of houses that in many places, including Greenock, people are only too anxious to get timber houses?
§ Mr. ColvilleThat is true.