HC Deb 15 December 1959 vol 615 cc1240-1
36. Mr. McInnes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, for purposes of comparison, he will state the total annual charges debited to the housing revenue account of a local authority in respect of a four-apartment house built and provided with money borrowed from the Public Works Loan Board for sixty years as at August. 1951, and August, 1959.

Mr. Galbraith

The total annual charges based on the average cost of construction, including land, services and fees, of a four-apartment house as at August, 1951, and August, 1959, are £54 19s. 2d. and £111 17s. 10d.

Mr. McInnes

These are very illuminating figures. Is the hon. Member a ware that the cost over sixty years has risen from £3,200 to £7,600? Is not he ashamed of these figures? Do not they indicate that the Government's policy is compelling local authorities to stop house building in Scotland?

Mr. Galbraith

The hon. Member has been plugging away at this point for some time.

Mr. Manuel

No wonder.

Mr. Galbraith

I do not think that it is profitable to discuss the Government's policy for financing local authority house building by means of Question and Answer.

Mr. McInnes

On a point of order. As the hon. Gentleman desires to debate this subject, and because of the unsatisfactory reply, I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.