§ 3. Mr. McKelveyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has studied the report "A Strategic Review of Public Sector Housing Finance in Strathclyde (1979–84)"; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramStrathclyde regional council has not yet submitted that report to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. McKelveyThat is a pity. In that report the Minister would have read that there is a great needs element for finance for public housing in Scotland. Will he ask his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland to consider releasing his stranglehold on expenditure in Scotland? If he does not, ultimately it can only lead to a drastic lowering of the quality of life for tenants in Scotland. How long will he preside over an area that can only lead to a massive new generation of slums?
§ Mr. AncramTaking the hon. Gentleman's word for what is in the report, I must remind him that there was a considerable provision for the housing authorities in Strathclyde this year — about £97.075 million. It is equally well worth noting that, of that capital allocation, £15.5 million was forfeited by decisions of housing authorities within the Strathclyde region on the rate fund contribution. That £15.5 million could have bought solutions to many of the problems that exist in the housing estates in those authorities.