§ 32. Mr. Buchananasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of shops in Scotland which have in the last 12 months been reconditioned for use as dwelling-houses and the total number of other premises which have been reconditioned for use as dwelling-houses.
Mr. JohnstonSince October, 1942, 44 shops and other business properties have been requisitioned and have been or are being reconditioned to produce 80 houses. In addition 188 other properties have been requisitioned and have been or are being reconditioned to produce 476 houses.
§ 33. Mr. Buchananasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of applications received by the Glasgow Corporation since that body agreed to take fresh applications for new houses; and what number of houses will be available.
Mr. JohnstonI am informed that up to date some 23,000 forms have been issued to new applicants, and that about 33,000 persons, whose names were already on the Corporation's list, have renewed their applications. In addition to any existing houses that may be vacated the Corporation are at present providing some 750 new houses which will be available for these applicants. The labour position will, I hope, make a further small allocation possible at an early date.
§ Mr. BuchananIn view of the large balance between the number of houses which the corporation are building and the number required to satisfy the applicants, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the acute position in Glasgow and allow the corporation to proceed with the building of more houses?
Mr. JohnstonI am sure the hon. Member will believe me when I say that the problem of securing the necessary labour for that purpose is ever present with us, and, as I have said in my answer, a further small allocation will almost immediately be announced.
§ Mr. McKinlayWill the Minister arrange for the return of designated craftsmen who are now busy knocking around mixing mortar and carrying bricks?
34. Mr. McNeilasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to announce when Scottish local authorities will be given permission for further house building.
Mr. JohnstonYes, Sir. The labour position has made it possible for me to invite local authorities on Clydeside and elsewhere to submit proposals immediately for the erection of 1,000 additional houses.
Mr. McNeilWill my right hon. Friend take steps to see that the lag which occurs, and to which he has referred, between authorisation and the beginning of construction, is shortened on this occasion?
Mr. JohnstonEvery possible step that can be taken on that matter has been taken, as far as I am concerned.