§ 61. Mr. T. Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Special Areas Housing Association is experiencing any difficulty in acquiring sites for cellular concrete or any other 1913 type of house-building; and, in view of the fact that contracts for £1,000,000 of housing work are issued but the contractors cannot proceed, for lack of authority to utilise the necessary sites, what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Colville)I am aware that the association have met with difficulties in acquiring certain sites. I am informed, however, that of the six sites selected for the £1,000,000 contract to which the right hon. Member refers five sites are now available to the association.
§ Mr. JohnstonIf the association find difficulty in getting proper sites in proper places, will the right hon. Gentleman secure power for them to get the land compulsorily?
§ Mr. ColvilleI shall bear in mind the difficulties that they experience. I have been in touch with the associations of local authorities, and at their suggestion I have arranged that future cases of difficulty should be taken up by the Housing Association with the appropriate association of local authorities.
§ Mr. KirkwoodThe right hon. Gentleman said that five sites have been selected. Will he tell us the names of those sites?
§ Mr. ColvilleI should require notice of that question.