§ 34. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the need for local authorities to plan their long-term housing programme, he will consider stating the approximate date when he proposes to revise the housing subsidies.
§ Mr. J. N. BrowneMy right hon. Friend proposes to open negotiations with the associations of local authorities shortly, but, as he indicated in the statement which he made to the House on 27th October, the legislation necessary to give effect to the revision of the subsidies will have to be deferred until after the Sorn legislation.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware of the great alarm and despondency which exists among local authorities in Scotland about the various announcements of Government housing policy? If there are to be negotiations, will they really be negotiations in which the local authorities' demand for a continuation of the subsidy and no halt in housing progress in Scotland will be listened to?
§ Mr. BrowneOf course my right hon. Friend will listen to the representations made by local authorities.