HC Deb 09 May 1950 vol 475 cc181-2
18. Mr. Clunie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what provisions have been made to deal with the housing problem in Dunfermline, Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly and Inverkeithing; and if he proposes to increase the allocation to these burghs in view of the waiting lists for housing.

Mr. McNeil

There are 446 houses under construction in these burghs and 594 more, including 228 recently allocated, have yet to be begun. It therefore would not seem very appropriate to allocate more houses meantime.

19. Mr. Manuel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Ayrshire housing authorities have made applications to him for additional allocations of houses for this year; and how many authorities have had their applications refused.

Mr. McNeil

Only Irvine have asked for an increased allocation and I have authorised 20 additional houses.

21. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he has asked local authorities to accept houses of Scottish Special Housing Association as part of their recent allocation; and if refusal to accept these terms will mean a corresponding reduction in the allocation.

Mr. McNeil

The houses to be built by the association entirely at Exchequer expense in areas where needs are greatest are in addition to the allocations made to the local authorities.

Mrs. Mann

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many local authorities are thoroughly dissatisfied with the houses of the Scottish Special Housing Association, which compare very unfavourably with their own houses, both in appearance and in rental? Why should not the local authority be given its maximum allocation without being asked to take S.S.H.A. houses?

Mr. McNeil

I agree with my hon. Friend that I have looked at some houses built by the Association which do not measure up to the standard I would like to see but, on the other hand, I ask her to reflect whether there are not local authorities which need this kind of supplementation to their efforts. The results are frequently very welcome.

Mrs. Mann

The local authority of Coatbridge have built more S.S.H.A. houses than any other local authority in Scotland. They are thoroughly dissatisfied with these houses and do not want any more of them. Why should these houses be forced on them?

Mr. McNeil

They are not forced on them. My recollection is that the allocation of S.S.H.A. houses for Coatbridge in the last allocation was only 50, but I should like to look again at those 50.