HC Deb 12 December 1950 vol 482 cc957-8
10. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the excessive number of dangerous properties in the City of Glasgow, he is prepared to increase the housing allocation for 1951.

Mr. T. Fraser

The allocations of houses to local authorities take account of this and other elements of housing need. The allocation to be made to Glasgow next month will be greater than the corresponding allocation of 3,500 houses made in March of this year.

Mr. Rankin

Do I take it from that answer that the 1951 allocation for Glasgow has been increased? Will my hon. Friend keep in mind, when dealing with the Glasgow allocation, the peculiar intensity of the housing problem in that city?

Mr. Fraser

We must bear in mind, among other factors, the ability of the local authority concerned to build houses. Last year, for instance, in addition to the 3,500 I have just mentioned, we allocated a further 500 in June and 700 in November of last year, making a total of 4,700. If Glasgow continues in 1951 with a good rate of completions, there is good reason to believe that they will get additional allocations in the course of the year.

Mr. Rankin

Can my hon. Friend indicate the probable number by which the allocation will be increased?

Mr. Fraser

It would be very unwise of me to tell the corporation now exactly how many houses they will get next year.