HC Deb 26 September 1939 vol 351 cc1188-9
22. Mr. McGovern

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the strong feeling amongst Glasgow's houseless population at his instruction to Glasgow Corporation to suspend all preparations for new housing schemes until further notice and that no further commitments should be entered into for the building of houses; and as large numbers have no houses, as families of eight and nine persons per room are living in Glasgow and 60,000 names are registered for houses, will he cancel his instruction?

Mr. Colville

I am fully aware of the need for further housing accommodation in Glasgow to replace unfit houses and to end overcrowding. I regret, however, that I am not in a position meantime to relax the recommendations made to local authorities in the recent housing circular which I sent out. I sympathise with the natural disappointment which this circular must have caused to many people in Glasgow and in other areas, and I can assure the hon. Member I shall keep the whole position under constant review.

Mr. McGovern

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the tremendous number of people's claims which are unsatisfied as a result of the last war, and does he tell this House that he is satisfied to set aside the building regulations in Glasgow when there are 60,000 names down for houses? Are we to have another five or seven years' suspension of building, during which these people will have no houses at all?

Mr. Colville

I can only say that the decision was arrived at after very careful consideration of the present situation. The hon. Gentleman will bear in mind the shortage of materials, which is a matter of great difficulty.

Mr. Buchanan

Will the right hon. Gentleman not reconsider this matter? In view of the fact that there is a certain amount of unemployment in the building trade and that certain materials are now available, could not discretion be given to the local authorities to build when they can?

Mr. Colville

I said that I would keep the matter under constant review, but I might tell the hon. Member that a deputation from the town council recently waited on my Department on the question of materials, which has been a real difficulty already.

Mr. McGovern

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply and the grave consequences of this decision, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter in this House as early as possible.