§ 10. Mr. Lambieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the rate of house building, public and private, in Irvine New Town; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Mr. Gregor Mackenzie)Yes. I am glad that Irvine Development Corporation has been able to overcome past difficulties with building contractors, and I note that it is now in discussion with the local authorities about meeting future housing needs in the area.
§ Mr. LambieMy hon. Friend is new in the job, but he is the only one who is happy about the situation in Irvine. Is he aware that the Irvine Development Corporation is building houses for higher rents in Scotland for general needs within a 10-mile radius of Irvine? Will he consult his hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State responsible for housing with a view to encouraging Cunninghame District Council to build houses to let at reasonable rents for young people in Irvine and Kilwinning?
§ Mr. MackenzieI am not as new to the job as all that, because I have been following this matter with some care. I was answering the point put to me by my hon. Friend regarding the difficulties of the development corporation, particularly with builders in the area. I note that the local authorities are to meet the Irvine Development Corporation. I think that it is better to wait until we see how those discussions progress before we make any further comments.