HC Deb 10 February 1942 vol 377 c1383
32. Mr. McKinley

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how the completed costs of the war damage repairs to owner-occupied houses carried out by the Glasgow Corporation housing department compare with the estimates from private contractors whose offer he did not accept?

Mr. Johnston

Comparable figures are available for six owner-occupied houses, on which the Housing Department of Glasgow Corporation carried out repairs at a total cost of £927. The private contractors, to whom the Corporation proposed to pay actual cost plus 17½ per cent. on labour and 15 per cent. on materials estimated that the total cost would be £1,420. On the assumption that their estimate was approximately correct, the saving to the public on the repair of these six houses is nearly £500.

Mr. McKinley

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to make use of this—the largest building organisation in Scotland?

Mr. Johnston

As my hon. Friend is aware, I have to press the Corporation of Glasgow to make this use.

Mr. McKinlay

I do not agree.