§ 24. Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that the housing to be built by the Scottish Special Housing Association near Galashiels will be of a suitably high standard for this pilot scheme in Border development.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonThe proposed Darnick development depends upon the outcome of a public inquiry. If my right hon. Friend decides that it should be allowed to proceed, I am satisfied that the Scottish Special Housing Association, which will be co-operating with the county council, will provide houses of high standards.
§ Mr. SteelIs the Minister of State aware of the need to ensure that, if this development goes ahead, it is of a high aesthetic standard? What proposals has he to give an extra budget to the S.S.H.A. in order to achieve that high standard?
§ Dr. MabonAn extra budget may involve heavy deficits, which, of course, mean higher rents. Therefore, one must—to take up the point made by my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Provan (Mr. Hugh D. Brown) on Question No. 22—equate the kind of tenants coming to this development with the Government's desire, if it be approved, to have a high standard and high quality amenity development here. This is a serious problem. We shall have to look at it when the later stages arrive.
§ Mr. GalbraithWhy not have a public architectural competition? Is not mat the way to ensure a high standard?
§ Dr. MabonI have often said in debates on housing in Scotland that we Scots tend to undervalue the immense talent and achievement in the Scottish Special Housing Association. It has an excellent record and—I am sure that the hon. Member for Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles (Mr. David Steel) will agree—we can safely leave it to the S.S.H.A. to maintain a high standard.