HC Deb 14 July 1959 vol 609 cc200-1
30. Mr. McInnes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the 194 families whose applications have been approved for transfer from Glasgow to overspill areas are likely to move.

Mr. Maclay

The approval and housing of overspill families is a continuous operation, the rate of which will rapidly increase as houses built specifically for overspill are completed. The movement of the 194 families depends on a variety of factors, including their personal wishes, the dates on which their jobs will be ready for them, and the dates on which suitable houses can be made available in the receiving area of their choice.

Mr. McInnes

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Glasgow's overspill is 300,000 people, and that in two years and two months under this Act we have transported 38 families? At that rate of progress it will take over 100 years. Why not be honest with the people of Glasgow and tell them that they must rot and die in their festering slums because the right hon. Gentleman has no solution?

Mr. Maclay

That is a most misleading construction to put on the figures. The corporation and local receiving authorities are to be congratulated on the progress they are making, with work on over 1,000 houses in hand, excluding a further 900 now being built in the new towns.

31. Mr. McInnes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses have been completed and occupied by former Glasgow citizens in the new towns of East Kilbride and Cumbernauld since June, 1957.

Mr. Maclay

Between 1st July, 1957, and 30th June, 1959, 912 new houses at East Kilbride and 20 new houses at Cumbernauld were occupied by families from Glasgow.

Mr. McInnes

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his own figure in respect of the transfer of population to Glasgow to the new town was 20,000 in ten years, and that in over two and a half years he has transferred less than 2,000? How does he hope to achieve his object?

Mr. Maclay

This kind of movement must build up as the years go by. It cannot start at a high level in the first year, before the houses are built.

Mr. McInnes

My complaint is that there is no movement.

32. Mr. McInnes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will indicate the number of local authority houses completed in redevelopment areas in the city of Glasgow since June, 1957; and what is the average cost of building a house in such areas.

Mr. Maclay

Since June, 1957, 190 houses have been completed in clearance and comprehensive development areas in Glasgow. The average tender cost of these houses was about £1,500.

Mr. McInnes

Is the Secretary of State aware that because of its inability to transfer population, Glasgow cannot now proceed with any further redevelopment because it has no sites? What is the cost of building a house in the redevelopment area? It is over £3,000. Cannot he relieve the City Corporation of some of its financial obligations?

Mr. Maclay

I cannot accept the implications in the earlier part of the hon. Member's supplementary question.