HC Deb 20 March 1974 vol 870 cc1005-6
2. Mr. Tom McMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what new proposals he has for speeding up demolition of derelict buildings in Glasgow.

The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Mr. Bruce Milian)

My right hon. Friend will take any action which is his responsibility as expeditiously as possible, but this is largely a matter for the local authority.

Mr. McMillan

Will my hon. Friend consider making places available in Government training centres for training people in the skills of demolition so as to speed up demolition in areas such as the new Glasgow Central Constituency? Is he aware that this would reduce the crime rate and the burden upon the fire brigade and ambulance services while at the same time performing a great service to the city of Glasgow?

Mr. Millan

I appreciate my hon. Friend's point. I will see that his suggestion, which is principally for the Department of Employment, is investigated.

Miss Harvie Anderson

Will the hon. Gentleman encourage close co-operation so as to preserve buildings of architectural interest, even though some of them are in derelict areas?

Mr. Millan

I appreciate the hon. Lady's point. This is a matter which we shall consider as occasion arises.

6. Mr. Selby

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to enable Glasgow Corporation to undertake immediate emergency measures to speed up, without regard to any other building development, the desolated areas in the city, particularly in Govan, in view of the extent to which that area is suffering blight.

Mr. Millan

My right hon. Friend certainly wants to see speedy develop- ment or improvement of desolated areas in Glasgow. He hopes to have early consultations with the corporation about the policies to be followed.

Mr. Selby

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. When he meets representatives of Glasgow Corporation for discussions, will he press the necessity for rebuilding a direct labour department to ensure that any labour available in Glasgow is not used to build offices, shops and warehouses, but will be available for house building?

Mr. Millan

The Scottish Office shares my hon. Friend's support for direct labour departments. This is a point which I hope to discuss when I meet representatives of the corporation.

Miss Harvie Anderson

Will the hon. Gentleman remember the importance of Walmer Crescent, since its architectural value is recognised throughout Europe?

Mr. Millan

I remember the import. ance of these matters. I remember also the importance of doing something about the appalling slum conditions in Govan and elsewhere in Glasgow.