HC Deb 30 July 1946 vol 426 cc770-1
31. Mr. Gilzean

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can make a statement as to the prospects of the Orlit Company being able to make further progress with the manufacture of slabs or frames for new houses in Scotland.

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

Yes, Sir. I understand that the Scottish Orlit Company have now made arrangements to extend their working capital so as to be able to operate two factories in Scotland, one at Edinburgh and one at Paisley. Under these arrangements the Scottish company will be a separate company managed entirely from Scotland, but with the benefit of the experience of the English company.

Mr. Gilzean

May I take it from the answer that we are entitled to anticipate greater progress?

Mr. Buchanan

I was not over-pleased with the progress this company was making. I came to the conclusion that they could not manage this while their manager in Scotland was spending half his time in railway trains between the two countries. This is a job which had to be done and it required someone resident in Scotland for them to be able to do the work—[HON. MEMBERS: "Civil aviation."] This is not a matter for joking. It is a serious matter.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Can the hon. Gentleman indicate approximately the expected output of this company, say, for the next year?

Mr. Buchanan

I could not say. It depends on the number of contracts. They have contracts for 500 for Glasgow, 400 for Edinburgh and some for Stirlingshire. Speaking from memory, they run into a fair number, but the actual output will depend on the new set-up of management. I am hopeful that the new management will give a fairly good output. I may add that the Scottish Special Housing Association have also entered into a contract with them for the supply of blocks. I am not unhopeful that the new set-up will make for better progress than in the past.

Sir T. Moore

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when we asked last night for a Scottish management of civil aviation to be resident in Scotland it was denied to us?

Mr. Buchanan

I am not responsible for anything but Scottish housing—[HON. MEMBERS: "What about Scottish aviation?"]—and I am prepared to defend my work in this House or any part of Scotland.