§ 28. Mr. Tom McMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had from Glasgow Corporation amending the progress on the outline comprehensive redevelopment schemes.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonNone, Sir.
§ Mr. McMillanIs my right hon. Friend aware that any setback in housing in Glasgow is almost a criminal act, and will he take every step to ensure that that does not happen? Will he also take note that Glasgow is one of the few local authorities in Scotland which has not taken advantage of the rating of empty property?
§ Dr. MabonOn the second point, I accept that that is a matter for the Corporation, because we have provided for that in the Act.
On the first point, I entirely agree. Because of the change in administration and the decisions taken thereafter, Glasgow has lost 2,500 houses.
§ Mr. SmallWill the Minister indicate what reasons were advanced by Glasgow Corporation for cancelling the Partick redevelopment scheme?
§ Dr. MabonThe governing party there, supported by another minority party in the Corporation, decided to withdraw the Partick, North and South C.D.A. because of objections by local shopkeepers and they want to resubmit it to the Secretary of State.
§ Mr. GalbraithIs it not a fact that in that area, which is in my constituency, many of the houses are in excellent condition and that there are other areas in Glasgow far more in need of being developed before the Partick area?
§ Dr. MabonI accept some of the points made by the hon. Gentleman. However, I should point out that the last time the Scottish Office approved a C.D.A. in Glasgow was 9th June, 1966. We were promised three C.D.A.s in the interval between then and the end of last year. We have not received one. Partick was to be the next one.