HC Deb 06 March 1968 vol 760 c417
9. Mr. W. Baxter

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in the study of comparisons between house-building costs in England and Scotland: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ross

I cannot as yet add anything to the reply given on 6th December, 1967 to ray hon. Friend the Member for Bothwell (Mr. James Hamilton).—[Vol. 755, c. 1416–17.]

Mr. Baxter

I am very sorry to hear my right hon. Friend say so, because the problem of trying to encourage people to come to Scotland has been aggravated by the propaganda about the price of houses in Scotland. If a fair comparison were made, it would show clearly that we are quite competitive in this respect.

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman must ask a question.

Mr. Ross

My hon. Friend's point was answered on 6th December when my hon. Friend the Minister of State said that the Heriot-Watt University is undertaking a study of this matter which will take three years. In the meantime, we must bear in mind that our building regulations, which are related to climatic conditions amongst other things, affect the cost of houses in Scotland.