HC Deb 31 January 1968 vol 757 cc1341-2
25. Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what cuts will take place in the housing programme in 1968 as a result of devaluation.

42. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what he estimates is the annual saving on housing under the new economy cuts.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

The number of public sector houses approved in 1968 and 1969 will be about 34,500 and 36,500, respectively, which is 1,500 less in each year than we had expected to approve. This should reduce housing investment by about £2 million and £5 million in the financial years 1968–69 and 1969–70, respectively.

Mr. Eadie

Does my hon. Friend agree that the case has now been made for no housing cuts in Scotland because of the recent storm damage? Although hon. Members on both sides of the House welcome the fact that we are building more houses than ever, a response such as I have suggested would, I am sure, receive the appreciation of the House.

Dr. Mabon

I think that my hon. Friend is aware from the official returns that not only was last year a record one for completions in Scotland but that we approved a large number of houses, which will ensure that we achieve the figure of 50,000, given sufficient private sector development, in 1970. I have met on behalf of my noble Friend the conveners of 40 authorities in the past four or five days, and I have assured them that no houses will be taken from the list if they are related to economic growth, replace unfit houses, or are in an area which has a serious local shortage. On my hon. Friend's point about the storm damage, my right hon. Friend is waiting to see the final outcome of the disaster.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Can my hon. Friend also give us an assurance that there will be no cut in the allowance of houses to local authorities with a long waiting list?

Dr. Mabon

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Did the Minister say that it remains the Government's intention to build 50,000 houses in 1970? If so, has he clearance from the Chancellor of the Exchequer for that statement?

Dr. Mabon

What I have said is that we still hope to be able to build 38,000 houses in the public sector and 12,000 in the private sector. I have been trying to make these matters clear to private builders in the past few days, and there are reports in the Press today about that.