§ 1. Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the rate of progress of house improvement in Scotland following the passing of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1969; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Dr. J. Dickson Mabon)I shall be satisfied only when no more improvement work remains to be done, but in the first quarter of this year 25 per cent. more applications for grant were approved than in the first quarter of 1969.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithWill the Minister of State say what progress has been made in privately-rented accommodation, which is a very important sector, particularly in certain cities?
§ Dr. MabonThere has been an improvement in the first quarter of 1970 compared with that of 1969, although not quite as dramatic an improvement as that in the local authority sector. I have taken 392 the first quarter deliberately because, as is understandable, in the last quarter of 1969 people were waiting to see what the Act meant before they made applications.
§ Mr. HannanHow many applications have been received from the City of Glasgow, and how many houses are involved?
§ Dr. MabonI am afraid that I cannot give that information without notice. But I am not satisfied with the pace at which it is proceeding.