§ 44. Mr. M. MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he has refused the request, supported by the local county councillor and the building contractors concerned, of the hon. Member for the Western Isles for a full inquiry into the cause of delay in the construction of the houses at Knock, Isle of Lewis, for Ross and Cromarty County Council.
§ Mr. J. StuartThe progress being made with this scheme and any other question arising under the contract is a matter between the county council and the contractors, as contracting parties, and I am not prepared to interfere with the county council's responsibility.
§ Mr. MacMillanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware—I think this time he is—that these houses were in fact started in the late summer of 1951 and are not due to be completed until the late spring, or early summer, of 1954? Does he not think that in the interests of the people on the waiting list, who are desperate for houses, he and the Department of Health ought to come into the picture somewhere and put pressure on these people? Secondly, does he not think, since he has the power and everyone wants it, that an inquiry is desirable?
§ Mr. StuartI am quite satisfied that the county council are doing their best to get these schemes completed. Work has now been going ahead, and I do not think an inquiry would achieve much.