§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the price of houses has been rising faster in Scotland than in the rest of the country; what is the reason for this; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossI have seen figures in the last few days which indicate that in part of the private sector house prices have increased more in Scotland than in England during the past five years. A recent study of some aspects of new house costs by the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee has suggested that a large part of higher Scottish costs, compared with most parts of England, is attributable to higher standards of construction which are accepted as desirable in Scottish climatic conditions. The Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations which came into force in June, 1964, do prescribe higher minimum standards.