§ 44. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he is aware of the disappointment and dissatisfaction of Scottish local authorities on account of the recent change of policy regarding temporary houses, causing further delay in the provision of housing accommodation in Scotland; and since many of these authorities have incurred substantial expenditure in the preparation of sites for temporary houses, what steps he proposes to take to protect the authorities against claims for breach of contract and otherwise in loss of revenue.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Westwood)My right hon. Friend is not aware that the position is as stated in the first part of the Question. Only one local authority, namely Fife county council, have made representations in the sense of the second part with regard to five temporary sites to be developed in 1945. As, however, the statement made on 23rd February by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works does not affect the temporary housing programme already intimated to local authorities for the current year, the council have been informed that there appears to be no occasion for contemplating a breach of contract such as is referred to.
§ Mr. WestwoodDefinitely that means that they may proceed with the plan of the five temporary sites, at Crosshill, Lumphinan, Thornton, Methilhill, and East Wemyss.
§ Mr. GallacherWhen are the houses going to be built?
§ Mr. WestwoodThat does not arise on this Question.