§ 23. Mr. Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland which local authorities provide special housing accommodation for the aged; and the number of such houses so provided.
§ Mr. J. StuartAbout 10,000 small houses with one or two rooms have been approved since the war, the majority for old people. I am sending the hon. Member a list of the 156 local authorities concerned.
§ 24. Mr. Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his future housing policy for the aged.
§ Mr. J. StuartIn April, 1952, the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee gave me a Report containing, among other things, detailed recommendations about the housing of older people which I commended to local authorities. More recently, my Department have collaborated with the Corporation of Edinburgh in designing a demonstration block for old people which should be started soon.
The proportion of houses for this class in approved schemes has trebled during the past four years and is increasing. I am anxious that local authorities and voluntary bodies interested in the welfare of old people should intensify their work in this important field, and I shall do all that I can to ensure that these encouraging developments continue.
§ Mr. LawsonIs the Minister aware that it was announced on 1st May by the Minister of Housing and Local Government that a special inquiry is to be instituted in England? Are we to take it that in this respect Scotland is ahead of England, or is it that Scotland will have to learn from England and do as England is doing?
§ Mr. StuartI assure the hon. Gentleman that we are doing our best in Scotland but I have not got the figures to enable me to say whether or not Scotland is ahead of England in this matter.