§ 19. Mr. Adam Hunterasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for encouraging local authorities in Scotland to demolish old property in areas where there is a need to do so; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellUnder our proposed reform of housing finance special assistance will be given towards the high cost of slum clearance.
§ Mr. HunterIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the time lag between the serving of demolition orders and actual demolition is too great in certain parts of Scotland? Is he further aware that areas of old property in our town and villages present a picture of dereliction even where reasonably good property is in the vicinity? Will he try to instil into local authorities the need to do something quickly on this matter?
§ Mr. CampbellI am anxious to cut out delays and I would be glad if the hon. Gentleman would inform me of any particular case he knows about. As already announced, our proposals for the reform of housing finance include special assistance to relieve the high cost of slum clearance.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonDoes the right hon. Gentleman recollect that, when in Opposition, despite his abhorrence of targets, he endorsed the Cullingworth Report's target of 30,000 slum houses to be removed each year? Is that the Government's policy?
§ Mr. CampbellI do not recall any particular endorsement but I remember the Cullingworth Report, which was a very valuable one. I shall try to follow what was recommended there.