HC Deb 14 April 1953 vol 514 cc10-1
12. Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will take steps to ensure that all local authorities confine their housing schemes to houses of not less than three storeys, to minimise the encroachment on agricultural land.

Mr. J. Stuart

No, Sir. I take every opportunity of urging local authorities to minimise the use of agricultural land for housing purposes, but obviously varying local needs and circumstances cannot be ignored in determining the type and density of houses to be built.

Mr. Maitland

Is the Secretary of State aware that in Lanarkshire alone since the war more than 5,000 acres of agricultural land have been lost to local authority housing, whilst another 2,400 have been lost to the new town of East Kilbride and, furthermore, that flats as such are not unwelcome to those who are looking for fresh accommodation?

Mr. Stuart

I can assure my hon. Friend that I want to do everything possible to safeguard good agricultural land. The plans are closely scrutinised to avoid unnecessary encroachment upon it, and under the 1947 Act planning authorities are obliged to consult with the agricultural executive committees. I am afraid, however, that the suggestion is too rigid and therefore not practicable.

Mrs. Mann

Is the Minister aware that his reply will give very great satisfaction to most of the people in Scotland?

Mr. Maitland

Is the Secretary of State aware that his reply will be read with great interest by the people of Coalburn where the plots of old age pensioners are now threatened with building although there is vacant land available nearby?