HC Deb 07 February 1962 vol 653 cc409-10
17. Mr. J. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the need for new houses in Glasgow and of the acute shortage of land, he will allow the areas at Darnley and Summers-town to be used for building.

Mr. Maclay

Proposals for the development of these areas were included among amendments to the Glasgow Development Plan put forward following the quinquennial review. The objections to these amendments were the subject of an inquiry last year. I am aware of the urgency and shall issue my decision as soon as possible.

Mr. Bennett

While thanking the Secretary of State for that reply, may I ask him if he is aware that it is ten years since an earlier Secretary of State for Scotland advised the local authority to look to these areas for the building of houses? Is it not a shocking state of affairs that in 1962 we are no nearer having this land for the building of houses than we were then?

Mr. Maclay

As my original Answer indicated, I have received the report of the inquiry and am studying it as fast as I can.

Mr. Hannan

Is it not possible for the Secretary of State, having made up his mind on this matter, to let the local authority know his decision in advance of his decision on the overall plan?

Mr. Maclay

I would not exclude that possibility, but certainly at this stage I must have some idea of what the overall plan will look like before I could even consider what the hon. Member suggests.

35. Mr. Mclnnes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will indicate the reasons for his Department's objection to the site at South Toryglen being developed by Glasgow Corporation for housing purposes.

Mr. Maclay

South Toryglen is zoned for housing in the Review of the Glasgow Development Plan. This Review has been the subject of a local inquiry, the report of which has recently been received and is now under urgent consideration.

Mr. McInnes

Can I reasonably appeal to the right hon. Gentleman again to accelerate matters?

Mr. Maclay

I will do the best I can but this is a very complex plan.