HC Deb 02 August 1972 vol 842 cc545-6
12. Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total number of dwellings below the tolerable standard in Scotland at the latest convenient date; how many of these are intended for demolition; and how many for improvement.

Mr. Younger

I estimate that there are about 200,000 houses which do not meet the tolerable standard, and that about one-quarter of them might be improved.

Mr. Steel

In the middle of June when I last asked a Question on this subject the hon. Gentleman said that about 70 housing authorities in Scotland had not completed the first surveys under the 1969 Act. When does the hon. Gentleman expect the surveys to be completed so that he will no longer work on estimates but on figures?

Mr. Younger

It would be misleading to suggest that we could ever get to the point where we had complete and absolutely accurate up-to-date figures for this from the whole of Scotland, because the situation is changing all the time. As I said on the last occasion, most of those who had not replied represent the smaller authorities which do not have the same scale of problem as the main authorities. It is our policy to encourage all housing authorities to work as quickly as possible either to improve or, if that is impossible, to demolish all houses below tolerable standards, and we are giving quite a lot of help to local authorities to do this.

Mr. Sproat

Does my hon. Friend agree that the shocking number of houses in Scotland below the tolerable standard is one of the strongest proofs of the need to introduce the new Housing Bill?

Mr. Younger

I have always felt that the housing problem in Scotland, which has been tackled by so many people with so many good intentions, needs a new look, and I am grateful that the new Measure enables us to do that.