Housing

HC Deb 15 December 1959 vol 615 cc1224-5

12. Mr. Millan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an estimate of the total number of houses likely to be completed in Scotland in the current year; and what percentage of the actual completions for 1958 the estimate for 1959 represents.

Mr. Galbraith

My right hon. Friend expects that total completions in 1959 will be between 27,000 and 28,000, or about 87 per cent. of the 1958 figure.

Mr. Millan

In view of the appalling housing conditions which still obtain in many parts of Scotland, is the Under-Secretary aware that the percentage figure he has just quoted will be greeted with considerable concern? What steps is he taking to stimulate an increase in house building in Scotland?

Mr. Galbraith

Naturally, my right hon. Friend is anxious that housing conditions in Scotland should improve as Quickly as possible. But the hon. Gentleman and, indeed, the House, must appreciate that there is no restriction on local authority building and that, as building on virgin sites is completed, clearance and redevelopment of sites in the centres of towns is bound to slow clown the total number of houses built.

Mr. T. Fraser

Is the Under-Secretary aware that the past year has been the best building year which we have ever had? Is not there something wrong with Government policy if, during this excellent building year, the number of houses completed has fallen by 13 per cent. compared with the number for the previous year? Does not he appreciate that the policy is wrong, and that if he wants to get houses, he will have to amend it?

Mr. Galbraith

I cannot accept the conclusion of the hon. Gentleman. The reason why house building is not at the rate it was is, first, that a great deal of the housing need has been met.

Mr. Manuel

In what areas?

Mr. Galbraith

Secondly, as I stated in answer to the first supplementary question, it is easier to build on virgin sites than on sites in the centres of towns.

Mr. Millan

The hon. Gentleman said there were no restrictions on house building. Has he forgotten the difficulty of getting money and the inadequate subsidies?

Mr. Galbraith

If local authorities spread their subsidies and charged reasonable rents they would find no difficulties.