§ 45. Mr. Hoyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking to control the price of building land in Scotland.
§ Mr. NobleIt is the Government's policy to encourage local planning authorities to ensure that enough land is allocated for development in the right places. This is the most constructive course.
§ Mr. HoyDoes not the right hon. Gentleman know that, within the last fortnight, there has been in Edinburgh a sale of building land at an exorbitant price, and that this sort of thing makes it impossible for municipalities or the private builder to provide housing at reasonable prices? Will he take positive action to put a stop to this racket?
§ Mr. NobleOne should not draw conclusions from one particular case. Over the past few years, there has been no noticeable increase in the price of land in Scotland. In fact, the cost of land is rather less than 5 per cent. of the cost of housing.