§ 14. Colonel Gomme-Duncanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the lowest tender price for Forestry Commission workmen's houses in Scotland submitted by His Majesty's Office of Works and private contractors, respectively.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Woodburn)The Ministry of Works do not build workmen's houses on behalf of the Forestry Commission in Scotland. This work is undertaken for the Commission in certain districts by the Scottish Special Housing Association. The lowest tender received by the Commission through the Scottish Special Housing Association during the last six months is £1,774. The lowest tender received by the Commission from private contractors direct during the same period is £1,748.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these figures are in direct contradiction of the figures given publicly by Mr. Thomas Johnston, a well-known authority in Scotland.
§ Mr. WoodburnI should require notice of that Question.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Secretary of State aware that one of the reasons for the increased price of the Forestry Commission's houses is the 20 per cent. duty on timber for houses imported from Finland? Will he make representations to the Board of Trade about that?
§ Mr. GallacherIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this means in Scotland that the increase in the interest rate from 22 to 3 per cent. will make it impossible to build houses?
Mr. VaneIs there any price limit beyond which the Forestry Commission may not build houses, or can they build them at any price they choose?
§ Mr. WoodburnIt must be understood that the Forestry Commission's houses are far removed from centres of population, and are bound to be more expensive than houses built in centres of population.