HC Deb 20 February 1951 vol 484 cc1043-4
22. Mr. Manuel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total value of local authority housing works authorised in Scotland during 1950.

Mr. McNeil

Local authorities received approval last year to tenders for new houses amounting to about £29 million. No estimate can be given for works of repair, conversion and maintenance carried out by local authorities on existing houses.

Mr. Manuel

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, can he state what percentage that represents of the total authorised building?

Mr. McNeil

I will consider whether I can help my hon. Friend with further figures, but I think he will appreciate that the figures will only come into my possession as far as the works are grant-aided or the local authorities require borrowing permission.

Commander Galbraith

In view of the desperate housing situation in Scotland—a situation which is getting worse—will the right hon. Gentleman say when he hopes to authorise an increase in the programme?

Captain Duncan

Will the right hon. Gentleman translate that sum of £29 million into actual houses? How many houses are being built?

Mr. McNeil

The hon. and gallant Gentleman knows that we publish monthly figures, and I have just published the annual return of last year's building of houses.

Commander Galbraith

Could not the right hon. Gentleman give me a reply to my reasonable question?