§ 6. Mr. Cyril Benceasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to relieve local authorities of the heavy financial burden incurred in rehousing the people.
§ 34. Mrs. Jean Mannasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is proposed to increase the housing subsidy to Scottish local authorities to the extent by which the recent increases in loans 777 has raised housing charges; and what steps he is taking to assist local authorities to meet the increases in costs.
§ 41. Mr. McInnesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is yet in a position to indicate the date on which he proposes to meet Scottish local authorities to review the question of housing subsidies.
Commander GalbraithMy right hon. Friend is at present engaged in discussions with the Scottish local authority associations about the revision of the housing subsidies.
§ Mr. BenceIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the burgh of Clydebank lost 4,000 out of 12,000 houses in the blitz, and that as a result of successfully replacing those 4,000 houses it is now burdened with an annual housing deficit of £60,000 for 60 years, which is 4s. 2d. in the £ on the rates? Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman make representations to the Treasury to relieve that burgh of such a heavy burden?
§ Mr. McInnesWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman indicate quite clearly what he means when he says that the Secretary of State is in touch with the local authorities? Has a specific date been arranged in order that the Joint Under-Secretary of State concerned with the local authorities can discuss the question of housing subsidies?
Commander GalbraithThe matter is under discussion at the moment. Two meetings have already been held.