§ 20. Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what large and small burghs have built the most houses, stating the number of private and local authority houses, from 1962 to 1968, respectively; and what is their position relative to other large and small burghs in Scotland.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonMy right hon. Friend has written to my hon. Friend about the available information.
§ Mr. EadieWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that information, which illustrates clearly that this Government have built substantially more private and local authority houses than the Conservative Party did when it was in power, is he satisfied with the present method put into operation by local authorities to 458 ascertain housing needs? What action does he propose to take, for example, with local authorities which, despite the fact that there may be a housing need in their areas, do not build any houses?
§ Dr. MabonThere are two points here about public sector and private sector housing. My hon. Friend knows how energetic the Government have been in drawing to the attention of all authorities the need to clear their waiting lists for public sector housing. My hon. Friend is quite right in what he says about private sector housing. We built 8,720 houses last year, which is the biggest figure since 1934. I would insist that it is our intention, through my right hon. Friend and the Land Commission, to see that we get a higher level of private house building in Scotland.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Questions and Answers are lengthening.