§ 17. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has now given further consideration to the possibility of importing Norwegian timber houses to supplement the housing programme in Scotland.
§ Mr. T. FraserMy right hon. Friend will be prepared to consider any proposals of this kind which may be submitted to him by local authorities within their normal allocation.
§ Mr. GrimondWill the Joint Under-Secretary of State bear in mind that this matter has been mentioned before, and that these houses appear to be particularly suitable for some parts of Scotland where the climate is a little windy?
§ Mr. FraserWe are not averse to building these houses. We have said to local authorities that they shall be free to decide what non-traditional type of house they shall take, if any. If they ask for this type, we will endeavour to get it for them.
§ Mrs. MannWill my hon. Friend see to it that Scottish firms are used to their full potential before we begin importing from any other country?
§ Mr. FraserWe have to leave something to the local authorities. If they prefer a particular type of house, we have to try to met their requirements.
Commander GalbraithIs not the importation of a number of these houses an increase in the number of houses available, and why should they be considered within the allocation?
§ Mr. FraserThe erection of even these houses requires some labour.