HC Deb 22 December 1971 vol 828 cc1504-5
26. Dr. Dickson Mabon

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he refuses to publish the figures of houses in the public sector, approved but not started, in the quarterly housing return published shortly after the end of each three months.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

As I told the hon. Gentleman on 22nd November, this information is already published in Appendices I to IV of the quarterly Housing Return for Scotland.—[Vol. 826, c. 271.]

Dr. Mabon

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is a difference in time in getting these returns? This is why in my Question, despite tautology, I put the words after the end of each three months. Why do we not get in the regular return—we shall receive the next one in January for the last three months—this one item? I realise that it is repeated later, but why cannot we have it more immediately?

Mr. Campbell

Since the first quarter of 1970 figures have been brought together in a single table in Appendix IV of the return. This figure has been available under this system since the beginning of 1967. I will look into the question of delay.

Mr. Edward Taylor

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the hon. Member for Greenock (Dr. Dickson Mabon) is somewhat embarrassed because the remarkable drop in starts and approvals which took place when he was responsible for housing has been overtaken by the increase in starts and approvals under the present Government?

Mr. Campbell

I rejoice with my hon. Friend that approvals for houses in the public sector for the months ahead are now on the upward turn.

Mr. Strang

Why does the Housing (Financial Provisions) (Scotland) Bill contain no provision designed to encourage the building of houses to let or for sale?

Mr. Campbell

I do not accept that. We shall be considering the Bill in detail after the recess. The Bill provides a framework in which house-building where it is needed in Scotland in the public sector can be given every encouragement. It also provides for the encouragement of housing for rent and house-building for home ownership.