HC Deb 05 August 1947 vol 441 cc1275-7
28. Mr. J. L. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is yet in a position to make a statement regarding the Government's intentions for the implementation of the recommendations in the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee's Report, Modernising Our Homes.

Mr. Westwood

The Government have given careful consideration to the question of the improvement of existing houses, in relation to the housing programme. They remain of opinion that for the present the most urgent need is to concentrate on the building of new houses as much labour and materials as can be made available. They intend, however, to include in their housing programme provision for the improvement of existing houses in Scotland and to make available financial assistance to local authorities in town and country for approved proposals (whether carried out by the local authority or by other persons) in order to secure work of a good standard and accommodation at approved rents. Proposals will be worked out in detail in consultation with the Associations of Local Authorities and legislation will be introduced so that facilities may be available as soon as the situation in regard to labour and materials justifies this expansion of the programme.

Major Lloyd

Is the right hon. Gentleman telling the House at last that this is all the Government intend to do in substitution of the Rural Housing Act?

Mr. Westwood

No, Sir, the Government are doing many things with particular relation to the development and improvement of agriculture in both Scotland and England, and this is only one of the steps that we are taking in the right direction.

Major McCallum

Will the Minister see that first priority is given to the modernisation or improvement of rural housing in Scotland?

Mr. Westwood

All I can say is that we will give the fullest consideration to the requirements of the rural areas.

Major Lloyd

My supplementary question had nothing to do with agriculture, as the right hon. Gentleman must have understood, although his reply referred to it; I asked whether or not this is the first instance in which the Government have made any reference whatever to the attempt to attack the rural housing problem or to replace the Rural Housing Act which has been abrogated?

Mr. Westwood

No, Sir, the hon. and gallant Member is entirely wrong.