HC Deb 12 March 1969 vol 779 cc1358-9
20. Mr. Hugh D. Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the amount spent from October, 1964, until the latest convenient date on housing; and what were the comparable figures for a corresponding period before October, 1964.

Mr. Ross

I can give information only for financial years. In the three years ended 31st March, 1968, total public investment in new housing was £346 million, and in the previous three years it was £224 million.

Mr. Brown

As Glasgow makes a substantial contribution to the solution of the housing problem, would my right hon. Friend continue to look closely at Glasgow, since, if there is a reduction in the number of houses completed, it will obviously adversely affect the overall picture which might be presented on his behalf in Scotland?

Mr. Ross

My hon. Friend is right that we should continue to give special attention to Glasgow, when we remember that Glasgow probably has the greatest burden in respect of houses yet to be improved and those yet to be demolished and replaced. But he should not underestimate what we have already done. In the four years since October, 1964, we have, in public housing, built 133,000, as compared with about 98,600 in the years before that.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I hesitate to disturb the atmosphere of self-congratulation and complacency on the benches opposite, but could the right hon. Gentleman say whether he expects to reach the target of 50,000 houses a year by 1970, or is this just one more example of Socialist failure and of their promises not matching their performance?

Mr. Ross

Since the highest number ever reached by the party opposite was 39,000 in 1953, they should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. We are not congratulating ourselves; we are just recognising solid achievement.