§ 4. Mr. Spenceasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications for licences by private individuals wishing to build their own homes have been received by town and county councils in Scotland during the last convenient 12-monthly period; how many of these applications have been granted; and how many refused.
Commander GalbraithIn the year ended 31st December, 1952, licences were granted for the building of 2,716 houses for owner-occupation. I regret that information as to the number of applications received by local authorities and the 784 number refused is not available for that period.
§ Mr. SpenceWill my right hon. and gallant Friend have an inquiry made into the position, which has been causing some concern? Can he give an assurance that private individuals wishing to build houses in Scotland are given the same facilities as those in England?
Mr. WoodbornIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the raising of the Bank rate and of interest to people who are trying to buy their own houses has made it impossible for the scheme to succeed, and that many licences have been returned because people cannot afford to build houses under the present system?
§ Mr. SpenceFurther to that supplementary question, is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that my Question had nothing to do with the Bank rate or the ability of the individual to build a house? My Question related to the refusal of applications.