Housing

HC Deb 13 November 1945 vol 415 cc2066-7W

Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the comparative costs of building working-class houses in Scotland and in England, excluding London.

Mr. Buchanan

The average price for typical four-apartment houses included in tenders so far approved during 1945 is 20s. 5d. per square foot in Scotland and 20s. 11d. in England and Wales, excluding London.

Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that profiteering and overcharging in the purchase price of houses for sale with possession has increased since the Government's pronouncement on the Morris Report; and if he will review the position with a view to finding effective alternatives which could speedily end this abuse of the housing conditions in Scotland.

Mr. Buchanan

So far I have no information that there has been any increase in the selling prices of houses since the Government pronouncement on 11th October. The Morris Committee fully considered but rejected a number of alternatives to the scheme which they ultimately recommended but which itself could not be adopted because of practical difficulties. The Government will keep the position under review, and if the hon. Member has any particular scheme in mind I will be glad to have it considered.

Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses listed as unfit for human habitation in Scotland, as at 1st September, 1939; how many of these are still occupied; and if the tenants of these houses are called upon to pay 47½ per cent. on the pre-1914 standard rent.

Mr. Buchanan

66, 500 houses were listed as unfit for human habitation by local authorities in Scotland at 31st December, 1938, the latest date for which figures are available. Owing to the curtailment of new house building during the war, it is probable that the majority of these houses are still occupied. A tenant who obtains the necessary certificate from the local authority can withhold the 40 per cent. increases in rent allowed under the Rent Restrictions Act, 1920, while his house is not in a reasonable state of repair.