HC Deb 25 April 1950 vol 474 c768
33. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will, in view of the restoration of the cuts in the housing programme, increase the number of building licences for Orkney and Shetland.

Mr. McNeil

I am keeping the position with regard to privat,- building under review, but I have at present nothing to add to the statement which I made on 29th March in reply to the hon. Member for Springburn (Mr. Forman).

Mr. Grimond

Will the Secretary of State bear in mind that both county councils are anxious to get an increased allocation and that tenants are finding difficulty in paying rents?

Mr. McNeil

That is a matter of general concern.

Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

Is the Secretary of State aware that Orkney County Council refused an offer of Swedish timber houses, and will he assure us that he will not try to make up for this by issuing a disproportionate number of private licences under political pressure, but will allocate according to need in all areas?

Lord John Hope

Since the Liberal Whip showed by his vote that he was perfectly satisfied will the housing programme of the Government for Orkney and Shetland before the restoration of the cuts, is it not ungrateful of him to chase the Government now?

Mr. Speaker

That has nothing to do with the Question.