3. Earl of Dalkeithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement on the progress of improvement of older houses.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Gordon Campbell)During 1970 applications were approved for the grant-aided improvement of 23,400 houses, which is an increase of 57 per cent. on 1969. As I told my noble Friend on 2nd December, I will shortly be launching a special campaign to encourage still further progress.—[Vol. 807, c. 1262.]
Earl of DalkeithIs my right hon. Friend aware that those figures will be warmly welcomed, but that there is still an enormously long way to go in bringing these out-of-date houses up to date? If he could keep us fully informed of the progress of his publicity campaign in making it well known that there are these excellent improvement grants available, this would be very helpful.
§ Mr. CampbellThat is why I am launching this campaign. I understand that last year was a record for the number of improvements carried out in Glasgow.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonBut is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this commendable Act, which was commended by both sides of the House, deserves a better reception than it is getting? Is he not aware that the rate of progress should be about twice that?
§ Mr. CampbellI thank the hon. Gentleman for his assistance in this. The improvement has been great, a 57 per cent. advance in 1970 on 1969. I hope that we can do even better than this.