18. Mr. Patrick Maitland askedthe Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied with the progress of housing undertaken by the East Kilbride Development Corporation; how many new houses have been built to the last convenient date; and what sums have been borrowed by the Corporation to date.
§ Mr. J. StuartAt 30th April the Corporation had completed 357 houses and had 1,032 under construction or contracted for. There have been difficulties about the labour supply, which has now been increased. The total advances to the Corporation amounted to £1,428,380 at 31st March last.
Mr. MaitlandIs my right hon. Friend aware that that represents a completion of 14 houses last month and of only 37 since the middle of December? Is be satisfied that that total amount is adequate for a Corporation which has existed for this purpose for over four years?
§ Mr. StuartA great deal of the labour available at present is concentrated upon factory work of first importance and as that is proceeded with there will be more labour available for houses.
Mr. MaitlandIs the Minister aware that the workers in the factories which are under construction will need housing?
§ Mr. HamiltonIs the Secretary of State aware that these development corporations have, of necessity, had to do a great deal of ground work? Is he further aware that the Minister of Housing and Local Government said in a recent debate that the ground work had been virtually completed and that he would reap the harvest that was about to result in an increased number of houses?
§ Mr. StuartThe surfacing of the roads is going on as rapidly as possible, and it will be possible to make more rapid progress with the housing which we realise is needed.