§ 3. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the resolution of the Fife Small Burghs Association, forwarded to him by the hon. Member for West Fife, regarding early approval of the housing schemes of small burghs and the need for a statement by the Government on its policy in regard to housing; and if he has any statement to make.
Mr. JohnstonThe Association wrote to me with a copy of the resolution referred to, and I am sending the hon. Member a copy of my detailed reply.
§ Mr. GallacherIs the Minister aware that this question of housing is connected with the problems of juvenile delinquency, tuberculosis and infantile mortality? Will he see that the Government make as early as possible a statement on housing that will satisfy the local authorities and the people of Scotland?
Mr. JohnstonI do not know that I can promise to make a statement at an early date that will satisfy everybody but I can assure the hon. Member that we are doing our best.
§ 4. Mr. McKinlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland to which office of the Ministry of Works Scottish local authorities must send their type plans for houses to be approved; and if estimated costs should accompany such plans.
Mr. JohnstonThe Secretary of State for Scotland is responsible for the approval of the type and layout plans of houses built by Scottish local authorities, and 511 the authorities should continue to submit their plans and other particulars to the Department of Health for Scotland in the usual way. Perhaps I should add in order to remove any possible misunderstanding that I welcome the advice and co-operation which the Minister of Works is affording us on technical matters.
§ Mr. McKinlayDo the pronouncements of the Minister of Reconstruction and the Minister of Works apply to Scotland or not?
Mr. JohnstonI cannot say to what statements my hon. Friend refers, but the answer I have given to-day is the official answer.
§ Mr. McKinlayHas the Minister of Works any power to veto plans on the grounds of type or cost. Will the consultations which take place give that Ministry any power to turn down plans submitted to the Scottish Office?
§ 5. Mr. McKinlayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland at whose instigation a meeting was held at St. Andrew's House on 12th January, at which representatives of the Scottish Office and the Ministry of Works met officials of certain local authorities; and will he state the nature of the subject discussed.
Mr. JohnstonA few technical officers of local authorities were invited by the Department of Health for Scotland to discuss the purely technical aspect of certain proposals which I have under consideration for the servicing of housing sites during the war. I will consult the local authority associations immediately I am in a position to place definite proposals before them.
§ Mr. McKinlayIs my right hon. Friend aware that no question of technicality was discussed but that it was purely a matter of policy? Is he also aware that this policy involves bringing large English contracting firms to Scotland to work on roads and sewers to the exclusion of Scottish contractors? Are there not sufficient contractors in Scotland to do this work?
Mr. JohnstonNo, Sir. I have a complete transcript of what happened and my information is not in accordance with that suggestion.
§ Mr. McKinlayIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.
§ 6. Lieut.-Commander Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, with a view to encouraging occupiers to purchase their houses and having regard to the general advance in the price level of houses since 1935, he will consider increasing the maximum market value of houses for the purposes of the Small Dwellings Acquisition (Scotland) Acts.
Mr. JohnstonI am asking the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee to consider and advise on the measures required to encourage the provision of houses for owner occupation. The Committee's inquiries will cover the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.