§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the serious shortage of houses in many parts of Scotland, he will reconsider the terms of the recent circular instructing local authorities to discontinue the building of working-class houses; and whether he has considered the effect this instruction will have on employment in the building industries?
§ Mr. ColvilleIn rely to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Shettleston (Mr. McGovern) on Tuesday, 26th September. The answer to the second part is in the affirmative. The circular was issued in view of the need for concentrating the resources of local authorities and of the building industry on essential work of National Defence.