HC Deb 16 October 1945 vol 414 cc913-4
42. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what Ministries, in addition to the Scottish Office, are participating in the building of houses in Scotland; what function each Ministry performs; and what over-all responsibility he exercises.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Buchanan)

The Secretary of State's over-all responsibility for housing in Scotland covers housing policy generally, including questions of design and the formulation of the programme for the building of houses whether permanent or temporary. The Ministry of Works are responsible for the building of temporary houses. Apart from this no other Departments are participating in the building of houses, but the Ministries of Works, Supply and Labour have responsibilities on housing, as on other services, for the Supply matters which come within their respective provinces. May I add that Questions concerning labour are appropriate to the Minister of Labour?

Mr. Stewart

In congratulating the hon. Gentleman on his new office may I ask whether it is not a fact that at least six different Ministries are, at present, giving instructions to contractors in Scotland in order to make houses or parts of houses? Is not that faulty instructional system hindering the production of houses?

Mr. Buchanan

If the happy relationship between the hon. Member and myself is to continue as in the past, he must be more accurate in his statements. It is not correct to say what he said on the subject of permanent housing, which is the sole responsibility of the Secretary of State. Temporary housing is the responsibility of the Minister of Works. On the question of design, all is held within the Department of the Secretary of State. There are not six Ministries entering into housing in Scotland at all. The only entrance by any Department is by the Ministry of Works, and that is entirely limited to the programme of temporary houses.

Mr. Stewart

After that extraordinary reply I will endeavour to raise the matter in to-morrow's Debate.