§ 31. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will 936 now state the results of his visit to Ayrshire to inquire into housing progress in the county and the burghs; and what steps he is taking to accelerate the rate of house building in Ayrshire.
§ Mr. WoodburnMy recent visits to housing authorities gave me a most useful opportunity of discussing their problems on the spot. I have authorised the immediate starting of 558 houses previously approved in Ayr County and Burghs, in addition to the 3,132 houses already under construction. I have also authorised the authorities to invite tenders for 910 new houses including 430 Blackburn houses. If the rate of progress justifies it, I hope to be able to authorise further houses during the year.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreCould the right hon. Gentleman say the reason for the backward state of the housing programme in Ayrshire? Is it because there is a Socialist majority on the County Council?