§ 9. Mr. Manuelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many timber houses were allocated to local authorities during 1952; and how many of these houses were completed by 31st December, 1952.
§ Mr. J. StuartOf the 3,000 houses authorised in April, 1952, 16 had been completed by the end of the year.
§ Mr. ManuelIs the Minister aware that he certainly led Scottish local authorities to believe that they were to have 3.000 timber houses last year? He now tells us that only 16 are completed. What steps is he taking to deliver the rest of the 3.000 houses to local authorities within a measurable time?
§ Mr. StuartI did not say that 3,000 houses would be completed last year. On 2nd May, 1952, I said that the aim was to complete the whole programme by the end of 1953. I admit there has been delay. At the end of March, 1953, 123 houses were completed and 562 were under construction.
§ Mr. HoyIs it not a fact that, when the contracts were placed with these firms, one of the reasons given was that they would be able to carry out this work speedily? What action has the Secretary of State taken to see that they implement the pledge?
§ Mr. StuartI have already admitted that there was delay which I regret, but it was outside the control of Her Majesty's Government. There was a serious strike of Canadian lumbermen which held up the transport of timber.