5. Lieut.-Colonel Colin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further steps he has in mind to increase the rate of house improvement in Scotland ; and if he will make a statement.
The Under-Secretary of State for Development, Scottish Office (Mr. GeorgeYounger)A substantial publicity campaign was launched in May, including advertisements in the Press and on television, local displays, and talks. This will be extended to publicise the increased grants now proposed after the Bill at present before Parliament is enacted. In a circular issued to local authorities last week my right hon. Friend has suggested ways in which they can help by reviewing their procedures.
Lieut.-Colonel MitchellDoes my hon. Friend agree that a by-product of the fresh incentives is liable to be an outbreak in the rural and Highland areas of the purchase of holiday houses by people who live in them for about four weeks of the year and the rest of the time leave them empty and unavailable to persons who do not own their own houses and are looking for accommodation?
§ Mr. YoungerThat is a problem in certain parts of the country, but I hope that full use will be made of the largely increased grants for housing improvement 469 by all local authorities and private individuals in Scotland who can find their way to doing so.