§ 36. Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of accentuated delays in the provision of new housing in Scotland, he will examine the possibility of instituting new and more active measures for the improvement of existing private and municipal houses as, for example, the installation of gas and electricity wherever practicable?
§ Mr. ColvilleLocal authorities already have powers to effect improvements in their own houses and to secure certain improvements as distinct from ordinary repairs in private houses. I have noted the hon. Member's suggestion but I am not convinced that the time is opportune for measures of the kind he has in mind.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that, particularly in Scotland, large numbers of houses are not being improved owing to the risk of demolition orders, but that there is at present no immediate danger of these orders because there can be no alternative accommodation, and that in many cases houses could be vastly improved at small expenditure, such as by the method suggested in the Question, but are not being improved to any degree. Will the right hon. Gentleman make a special investigation along those lines?
§ Mr. ColvilleI do not think the introduction of gas and electricity would exempt houses from demolition orders. There are other questions at issue which I will be glad to discuss with the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. Garro JonesHas not the right hon. Gentleman missed the point of my Question, which is that, although it might not save a house from a demolition order, it would greatly contribute to the comfort of those who have to live in the house?
§ Mr. BuchananCannot the right hon. Gentleman do something in Scotland to deal with the housing question, and will he state why all sorts of luxury buildings can still be erected while housing cannot be got on with?
§ Mr. ColvilleThat is a different question.