§ 18. Mr. Tom McMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average cost to local authorities of a three-, four-, and five-apartment house, and the cost of similar houses in England.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonThe averages for Scotland as a whole are about £3,800, £4,000, and £4,600, respectively, inclusive of land, site preparation and fees. Direct comparison with costs in England is impossible because house types and site conditions differ widely in the two countries.
§ Mr. McMillanIn view of that Answer, does not my hon. Friend agree that closer examination should take place to find out what the difference is?
§ Dr. MabonI accept that. The average tender cost for two-storey three-bed-roomed local authority houses approved in England and Wales, but excluding London, in 1966 was £2,782, to which, of course, must be added the cost of land, which differs in England and Wales, roads, sewers and professional fees and so on. My hon. Friend will appreciate the difficulties of a direct comparison. This is part of the inquiry we are conducting.