§ 14. Mr. Hoyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what provision is made in the new development plan for Edinburgh for dealing with slum clearance and the provision of new houses in Leith.
§ Mr. J. N. BrowneThe plan allocates a total area of about 11 acres for new housing in Leith. In addition, the corporation is now preparing detailed proposals for comprehensive development areas for the Kirkgate and Citadel districts, and proposes to build houses on the site of Leith Fort.
§ Mr. HoyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there has been a continuous decline in the population of Leith in the last few years, which is due entirely to the very bad housing conditions, and that the slow rate of progress in the building of new houses is making conditions much more difficult? Will he take steps to expedite slum clearance and building, in this ancient burgh?
§ Mr. BrowneI agree with the hon. Member that slum clearance was held up, but, now that we have the sites in Leith, I think the position will be better, although no specific proposals for redevelopment have been submitted for Leith.
§ Mr. HoyWill the hon. Gentleman take steps with the corporation to expedite house building on the sites it has got? It certainly has a particularly good site at Leith Fort. I do not know that any excuse could be made for delay, because the site has already been turned over to the corporation.