HC Deb 21 November 1973 vol 864 cc1314-5
8. Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will reconsider his refusal to meet Loanhead Town Council and the hon. Member for Midlothian.

Mr. Younger

The town council asked for a meeting with me and I wrote to the hon. Member on 14th September suggesting the basis on which its proposals for sheltered housing should be revised so as to provide a basis for discussion.

Mr. Eadie

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is bad enough refusing a deputation an interview but that it is very much worse denying that one was ever sought? Is he also aware that the courtesy that he affords to Loanhead Town Council and to the hon. Member for Midlothian is different—thankfully—from the standards set by his colleagues on the Front Bench who, at all times have displayed the utmost courtesy to me in relation to interviews?

Am I to take it that the hon. Gentleman does not attach the same importance to sheltered housing as his hon. Friend echoed from the Front Bench a minute or two ago? Will he reconsider the position and meet Loanhead Town Council and myself in order that we can get to grips with the problem of sheltered housing in that area?

Mr. Younger

I very much hope that a matter of courtesy does not come into this question. I am concerned to see—

Mr. Eadie

You refused to meet us, George; there is no argument about it.

Mr. Younger

What I am concerned to ensure is that if we have a meeting there is a useful basis for discussion so that the meeting can be fruitful. I am keen to do all I can to encourage the provision of sheltered housing. But I think the hon. Gentleman will accept that no one, on either side of the House, would suggest that we should do this totally regardless of cost. It appears that the design selected by the local authorities in this case would produce housing which was £2,000 per house more expensive than the most optimistic assumption that we could allow. I should be glad to meet the council if it could revise the design first, so that we could have a useful discussion.

Mr. Eadie

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek an early opportunity of raising the matter on the Adjournment.