§ 21. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what have been the latest costs of building three- and four-apartment houses by the Ayrshire County Council and by the burghs of Cumnock and Girvan, respectively.
Mr. McNeilAs the answer involves a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. HughesWill the Minister tell us whether the figures for Girvan are very much higher than those for the county and other burghs, and whether he will take any steps to reduce those figures?
Mr. McNeilAs my hon. Friend will see, in some cases the figures are higher but, as I have already explained to my hon. Friend, there are bound to be variations in the tenders coming from one area compared with another area. The causes of these differences in figures are fairly hard to assess, and therefore it is very difficult to take any action upon them.
§ Mr. McInnesWhen the Secretary of States gives the answer, will he give relative figures as between traditional houses and non-traditional houses?
Mr. McNeilI have, of course, prepared the answer for circulation tomorrow. It would take some considerable time to provide the information, but if my hon. Friend puts down a Question I will endeavour to answer it.
§ Mr. ManuelIs my right hon. Friend aware that the Ayr County Council have obtained a substantial saving in building costs because of their labour department, and is he further aware that it would be very advantageous to Scottish local authorities if he would publicise the savings which have been obtained in this way?
§ Following is the statement:
§ The latest tender prices approved for houses of three and four apartments in these areas are are follows:
| Local Authority | Dates of tenders | Tender price for one four apartment house | Tender price for one three apartment house |
| Ayr County Council. | September, 1950 | £1,286 to £1,323 | £971 to £1,040 |
| Cumnock | October, 1950 | £1,187 | £1,071 |
| Girvan | September, 1950 | £1,647 | £1,402 to £1,437 |