9. Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses for single persons and aged couples, respectively, were built by local authorities in Scotland in the most recent year for which figures are available; and what were the comparable figures in each of the previous 10 years.
§ Mr. YoungerWith permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT figures for one-and two-apartment houses approved in each year since 1960. These are the only relevant figures readily available.
Mr. TaylorI am much obliged to my hon. Friend. Does he agree that many aged couples are living in houses too large for them simply because there are not sufficient small houses available? Will he encourage local authorities, particularly in the cities, to expand their activity and to build houses for elderly people?
§ Mr. YoungerI entirely agree with my hon. Friend. In a circular issued in July, 1970, I urged local authorities to review the need for houses of this kind and to consider their provision in co-operation with all the interests concerned. I am 422 now considering what further advice I might give to encourage them further.
Following is the information:New houses approved, of one or two apartments, for public authorities in Scotland (local authorities, new towns and the Scottish Special Housing Association).
| 1960 | 4,158 |
| 1961 | 3,505 |
| 1962 | 5,663 |
| 1963 | 7,120 |
| 1964 | 6,584 |
| 1965 | 7,333 |
| 1966 | 6,908 |
| 1967 | 9,182 |
| 1968 | 6,382 |
| 1969 | 5,771 |
| 1970 | 4,665 |