HC Deb 24 October 1939 vol 352 cc1175-6
6. Mr. McGovern

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the names of the local authorities that have agreed and disagreed, respectively, with his recent circular advising local authorities to suspend housing operations?

Mr. Colville

I have received no communication from any local authority recording either agreement or disagreement with the terms of the circular referred to. Several local authorities, however, have represented to me that it would be in the national interest for them to proceed with certain housing schemes not yet under construction, and I shall give careful consideration to all such representations.

Mr. McGovern

Am I wrong in assuming that the Minister had consulted these local authorities before he issued that circular, and if not, will he consult all the local authorities in Scotland as to whether they agree or disagree with it?

Mr. Colville

This is a matter for which the Government take full responsibility, but I said in the circular that we were prepared to consider any scheme put forward by local authorities on the grounds of national interest. In 14 instances local authorities have made representations to me and I am prepared to consider them.

Mr. Buchanan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the city of Glasgow, luxury building is going on now, and if that be so, why should house building be stopped?

Mr. Colville

The city of Glasgow has not so represented.