HC Deb 08 December 1959 vol 615 cc207-8
15. Mr. McInnes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the target announced on 7th May, 1957, of providing in 10 years 20,000 houses in new towns and 15,000 houses in overspill areas to deal with Glasgow's overspill has so far been realised.

Mr. Maclay

Seven thousand six hundred houses for Glasgow are already envisaged under overspill agreements concluded between Glasgow Corporation, the local receiving authorities and the Scottish Special Housing Association, of which 1,500 are either designed, tendered for or under construction. In addition, 14,800 houses are committed in the Scottish new towns, of which 1,050 will be completed by March next year.

Mr. McInnes

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that from the figures which he has given, in the first quarter of his ten years' programme he has fallen down to the extent of 70 per cent.? Does he realise that his timorous and procrastinating attitude to this grave problem is causing serious concern throughout the whole of Scotland?

Mr. Maclay

I accept none of the implications in the hon. Member's supplementary question. I should point out that the programme is getting under way. Of course, the first quarter is liable to be a building-up period. It is a great pity that hon. Members should decry the energetic effort which has been made by Glasgow Corporation and receiving areas to get on with working out this great problem.

16. Mr. McInnes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the necessity for two new towns being provided for Glasgow's overspill; and if he will undertake to designate such new towns now.

Mr. Maclay

As a result of recent changes in the prospects at Glenrothes following revised estimates by the Coal Board of its housing needs, it is now clear that all three Scottish new towns will in future have as their major purpose the provision of houses, industry and other services for Glasgow overspill. I am not satisfied that the time is yet ripe to consider any more new towns for that purpose.

Mr. McInnes

It is no use my asking the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware, because he is obviously aware of nothing. Does he realise that Glasgow's slum housing programme and central redevelopment programme are at a complete standstill for lack of sites in the City of Glasgow, of which he had knowledge seven years ago? Does he realise that the 120,000 people on the city's housing waiting list have no prospect, not a snowball's chance in heaven. of ever getting a home?

Mr. Maclay

I am aware of the great concern which is felt by the hon. Member on this problem. A great deal is being done and it would be a mistake to diversify effort by designating another new town until we see what progress can be made with the very large amount of work that is now going on.

Mr. Fraser

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is not a question of diversifying effort and that the number of houses being built throughout Scotland for the rehousing of Glasgow people is going down each year, whereas the number of people on the housing list increases annually? Surely, the time has come for the right hon. Gentleman to designate another new town or area in which some of the unemployed building workers could be put to work to build houses for the people of Glasgow.

Mr. Maclay

All these matters are watched carefully all the time and I am certain that it would not be in the best interests of the rapid solving of Glasgow's problem to designate another new town now.

Mr. McInnes

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment.