HC Deb 15 March 1955 vol 538 cc1112-3
21. Mr. Manuel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many more houses he estimates are needed in Scotland.

Mr. J. Stuart

Half of the 500,000 houses which the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee estimated were required in 1943 have been built, but I have no information on which to base an up-to-date estimate. The areas with continuing housing needs are, of course, well known.

Mr. Manuel

Has the Secretary of State no indication whatever that he can give to the House as to the wastage since 1943? How many years does he think it will take to produce the houses which are now necessary, after the survey to which he has just referred?

Mr. Stuart

It will take time, of course, in the worst areas, but I am glad to say that in some areas the smaller local authorities are completing their post-war housing programmes. What we must still do, of course, is to concentrate on the bad areas.