HC Deb 21 September 1948 vol 456 cc679-81
24. Mrs. Jean Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the housing schemes in Airdrie are held up for lack of flooring, main joists, ceiling joists and roofing materials; and when the Burgh of Airdrie can expect delivery to ensure continuity and completion of 582 houses.

Mr. Woodburn

I am informed that only on one site is progress held up because of timber shortage. Arrangements have been made for a further allocation which should allow substantial progress to be made.

Mrs. Mann

Is my right hon. Friend aware that ten days ago there were several schemes held up through lack of timber and that in one particular instance applications have been made for eight months to the Department and my local authority without any reply being received? The schemes are those at McKenna Road, Gartlea and also the Whitsun Fairhurst houses.

Mr. Woodburn

A distinction must be drawn between houses upon which timber could be used and houses where timber would enable them to be completed. At the moment the use of timber is being concentrated on houses which may be quickly completed. On the receipt of information which gives that indication, the matter can then be considered.

Mrs. Mann

Is my right hon. Friend aware that what is causing annoyance is the fact that roofing timber is being sent but flooring timber is not and, therefore, while roofs are being completed tenants cannot take occupation because the flooring timber is not available?

25. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses in Scotland are delayed in completion through lack of timber; and when he expects to be able to meet the demands of the local authorities for this material.

Mr. Woodburn

Building is delayed by shortages of various materials and by shortages of joiners but I regret that I have not exact information regarding the number of houses whose completion is delayed through lack of timber alone. Everything possible is being done to ensure that timber is available for all houses included in the present programme.

Mrs. Mann

Is there to be any extra allocation of timber for the completion of Scottish houses?

Mr. Woodburn

The main shortage is one of Scottish joiners. There are nearly 800 vacancies for joiners for priority work. There is no point in supplying more timber than can be used by the people available.

Mr. Assheton

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is plenty of timber in the country?

Mr. Woodburn

Yes. There may be plenty of water in a cistern, but one does not run it off all at once. One keeps some for emergencies.

Mr. Assheton

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that when water is very badly needed one might as well get it?

Mr. Woodburn

The point is that the building trade must be kept going at a steady, fully employed rate. Therefore, if we have a burst just now, then we will not only have labour unemployed, but we will hold up the whole of the planning of the building industry.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

What steps is the right hon. Gentleman taking to get the 800 joiners for the building trade in Scotland? Is he trying to get them out of the Army and will he assure us that the new rearmament scheme will not hinder housing in Scotland?

Mrs. Mann

Where local authorities can assure my right hon. Friend that it is not the lack of joiners that causes the difficulty, will he agree to send them the flooring or roofing timber, or whatever else they want?

Mr. Woodburn

Every instance will be looked into. My Department is in constant touch with the situation and they are fully aware of the circumstances and will do everything they can to help.