HC Deb 10 April 1968 vol 762 c1362
30. Mr. Younger

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is now the proportion of total houses being built by industrialised building methods.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

I cannot add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Bothwell (Mr. James Hamilton) on 26th February by my right hon. Friend.—[Vol. 759, c. 254–5.]

Mr. Younger

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the benefit of industrialised building is not so much in the cost as in the speed of erection? At a time when houses are falling into greater disrepair because of the hurricane and other damage, does not he think he should encourage industrialised building, instead of working against it with such things as the Transport Bill?

Dr. Mabon

I agree with the hon. Gentleman's comment about the earlier years when we were getting the industrial building sector enlarged. He may be interested in the figures. In 1965 industrialised building accounted for 24 per cent. of the number of houses approved in the public sector. In 1966 the figure was 33 per cent., and in 1967 it was 36 per cent. I am not aware that the Transport Bill is relevant to the future of industrialised building.