§ 27. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total number of permanent houses now expected to be built by the end of 1948 in Scotland, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fife County, Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Leven and St. Andrews, respectively.
§ Mr. WoodburnI regret that it is not yet possible to state the number of houses which will actually be completed in the various districts by the end of 1948. As indicated in my reply on 10th November to the hon. Member, it is intended to complete and make ready for occupation the largest number of houses by concentrating on those already under construction.
§ Mr. StewartCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the estimate given to me by a leading authority, that not half the houses for which licences were given will, in fact, be built by 1948, is correct?
§ Mr. WoodburnThe point is that energy was rather dissipated by starting a larger number of houses than the material and labour could complete, and, therefore, since the object is to get as many houses as possible ready for occupation, we propose to concentrate that labour and material on houses which we hope to get ready for occupation.
§ Mr. McKinlayIs my right hon. Friend aware that the existing method is a most wasteful one?
§ Mr. StewartIs the right hon. Gentleman asking the House to believe that the authorities that I have mentioned have not been able to assess the practical effect of the cuts that the Government have imposed?
§ Mr. WoodburnI have no knowledge of the local authorities to which the hon. Gentleman refers.
§ Mr. StewartIn view of the thoroughly unsatisfactory answer to my Question, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.