43. Mr. McNeilasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, on how many of the recently-allocated 1,000 houses work has now begun?
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Westwood)Tenders have been approved for 890 houses. Work has begun on 612 houses and will begin shortly on 54 more. In addition, special preparatory site work is being carried out on 200 houses. Tenders for 72 houses have been rejected on account of excessive costs, and tenders for 38 houses have not yet been received.
Mr. McNeilWill my right hon. Friend consider taking steps in the 72 and 38 cases, where no tenders have been received, to initiate action himself? Is he satisfied that where work has formerly begun any work is being done now, because in my constituency only one bricklayer has been allocated for a scheme of 200 houses?
§ Mr. WestwoodWe are pressing all the local authorities which have been allocated houses to get on with the job. As for the latter point in my hon. Friend's Question, I will have inquiries made at once, to see what can be done to supplement the labour already on the site.
§ Mr. KirkwoodThe right hon. Gentleman says that they are pressing the local authorities; but where are the local authorities to get the labour if it is not available? That is a matter for the Government.