§ 21. Mr. Millanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the total number of houses built in England and Wales has risen from 241,525 in 1958 to 278,667 in 1962, that over the same years the numbers built in Scotland have dropped from 32,170 to 26,761, and that if the Scottish figures had risen proportionately to those of England and Wales the 1962 total for Scotland would have been 37,117, or 10,356 more than the actual figures; and what he proposes to do to remedy the situation.
§ Mr. LeburnLast year 27,255 houses were approved for construction by public authorities alone, or 46 per cent. more than in the previous yeas. My right hon. Friend hopes that his proposals for joint action by the authorities to exploit new building techniques will enable a corresponding increase in completions to be secured before long, and that private enterprise completions will continue to rise from last year's total of 7,784.
§ Mr. MillanIs not that a thoroughly inadequate Answer in view of the very serious figures which are brought out in the Question, the accuracy of which presumably is accepted by the Government? Is it not time that we had a thorough reappraisal of Scottish housing policy, taking in slum clearance, new towns and every other aspect of housing policy? Will the Minister ask the Secretary of State to make a statement about this, because the situation is deteriorating year after year despite the fact that the Scottish housing position is very much worse than that in England and Wales.
§ Mr. LeburnI am very anxious to improve the position of housing in Scotland. It is fair to point out, however, that the English figures which the hon. Member quoted, and with which I do not quarrel, are supported very heavily by a large amount of private building, which we do not have in Scotland.
§ Mr. HoyThat may be so—it has always been so because most people in Scotland have had to have their housing needs satisfied through the municipalities. In view of this, would not the hon. Gentleman agree to ask his right hon. Friend to make a comprehensive study of this? We agree that the Government may have to adopt other methods, but at least let us have a comprehensive study and a report from the Government on what programme they intend to bring forward to meet the appalling housing need in Scotland.
§ Mr. LeburnI repeat that I am as anxious as anyone in the House to get mare houses built in Scotland. If it is thought that having a comprehensive study will help, I will certainly look into the matter.
§ Mr. McInnesDoes not the hon. Gentleman agree that the real answer lies in the fact that the continual interference by the Government with housing subsidies and other measures does not permit of a high building rate in Scotland? Do the Government now propose to stop this interference year after year, with a different subsidy Bill and a different Bill relating to grants, etc.? This is what is discouraging local authorities from building houses.
§ Mr. LeburnI am sure that the 1962 Act will encourage local authorities.
§ Mr. MillanOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.