§ Major GLYNasked the Secretary for Scotland at what price he estimates that 49W the ordinary speculative builder can now erect workmen's houses of the standard required under the Government's assisted housing schemes; and what would be the weekly rent payable, exclusive of rates, to give the speculative builder an adequate return on each house built?
Mr. MURRAYInformation is not available to show at what price speculative builders can erect houses of the type referred to, but tenders in open competition are now being received by the Scottish Board of Health, which indicate that houses of three and four apartments can be contracted for by local authorities at less than £500 and £550 each respectively. My right hon. Friend is not prepared to say what weekly rent would be required to give the speculative builder an adequate return, as that must depend upon what the latter considers adequate, having regard to the conditions under which he operates in each case.
§ Major GLYNasked the Secretary for Scotland the number of men employed in building houses for local authorities in Scotland under the provisions of the Housing Act, 1919, in each of the six months from January to June of this year?
Mr. MURRAYThe number of men employed in building houses in assisted schemes of local authorities and public utility societies in Scotland in each of the months referred to was as follows:—
Month. Total number of men employed. January 11,789 February 12,641 March 12,760 April 12,871 May 11,888 June 11,524