HC Deb 17 November 1953 vol 520 cc1556-7
31. Mr. M. MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of houses built for county council tenants in the islands of Barra, North and South Uist, Benbecula and Harris in the period 1948 to 1950 and in the past 24 months.

Commander Galbraith

The number built in 1948–50 was 158. There have been none since.

Mr. MacMillan

In view of the deplorable record of the Government in this area in respect of housing of all things, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman be very careful in his next propaganda speech about the Tories "300,000 houses" not to add a zero for their Western Isles' figure and make this figure 3 million?

32. Mr. M. MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses have been built in the burgh of Stornoway to the new space-saving standard.

Commander Galbraith

None, but 30 are under construction.

Mr. MacMillan

Is it not the case that these houses of a lower standard are to be let at higher rents than the houses constructed previously at a very much higher standard under the Labour Government specification?

Commander Galbraith

The question of rents is, as the hon. Member knows, a matter for the local authority. I can assure the hon. Member that the houses are not of any lower standard but are, in fact, better houses than those being built at the moment.

Mr. MacMillan

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that members of the local authorities that are letting these so-called "economy" houses have stated publicly that the houses are of a deplorably lower standard but of appreciably higher rents?

Commander Galbraith

I think they had better wait until the houses are complete and they will be able to see for themselves.