HC Deb 26 May 1971 vol 818 c353
5. Lieut.-Colonel Colin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking to promote the formation of housing aid centres; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Younger

At my right hon. Friend's request, the Scottish Council of Social Service is examining the need for such centres and their relationship to the existing services provided by their Citizens Advice Bureaux and by local authorities. We are also in touch with other organisations which are active in work of this kind.

Lieut.-Colonel Mitchell

As many of the services are those normally supplied by solicitors, surveyors and bank managers, has my hon. Friend taken advice from the professional bodies representing such people?

Mr. Younger

I have had informal discussions with solicitors as well as with the other bodies which I have mentioned, but my general objective is to find the most effective means of getting better access for the public to advice and help on how they can best fulfil their housing needs.

Mr. Small

Related to that question, would the Minister examine and restore the 4,000 cut in S.S.H.A. building programme, which would certainly be a more practical step in its application than some other ideas?

Mr. Younger

It would certainly have been so if there had been any such cut. But there has been no such cut, and I am glad to be able to say that to the hon. Gentleman.