§ Mr. Harry Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action his Department is taking to encourage Scottish local authorities to purchase houses built for sale but which have remained unsold.
§ Mr. William RossI am anxious that Scottish local authorities should take all suitable steps to meet their housing needs, including proposals for the purchase by agreement of houses built for sale in the private sector; and my noble Friend the Minister of State will be raising this possibility with house builders in Scotland in discussions he is to have with them shortly. I have already authorised the Scottish Special Housing Association to purchase up to 150 houses from private builders in Easter Ross, and I am prepared to consider other such proposals from the association.