HC Deb 15 July 1976 vol 915 cc278-80W
Mr. Robin F. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what amount he was prepared to allocate Edinburgh District Council for council house modernization in the current year; what amount it has actually requested; and if he will list the comparable figures for the other district authorities within Lothian Region.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

The information requested is as follows:

those projects of council house modernisation proposed by Edinburgh District Council for the current year for which he has given approval, and those projects which were previously in the programme for the current year but have now been withdrawn;

(2) if he has approved any project of council house modernisation proposed by Edinburgh District Council with which that authority has subsequently decided not to proceed.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

The information requested is as follows:

Schemes programmed for work to start in 1976–77 and approved in principle

Prestonfield Phase I (350 houses)

Bangholm (22 houses)

Schemes withdrawn from 1976–77 programme

Niddrie Phase II (300 houses)

Scheme Number of houses Completed Under construction Approved awaiting start Estimated year of completion
Baberton Park 20 — 20 — 1976
Ferrier Street 136 — 136 — 1976
India Place 136 — 136 — 1976
Kirkbrae 237 44 193 — 1976
Newhaven Phase 2 32 8 24 — 1976
Saughton Gap Site 70 6 64 — 1976
West Pilton 38 34 4 — 1976
Saughton Mains Terrace (Sheltered) 16 — 16 — 1976
Newcraighill Village Phase 1 55 — 55 — 1977
Portland Street 80 — — 80 *
Lauriston Place 29 — — 29 *
* Not yet known.

Mr. Robin F. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether at any time in the past two years he has refused to approve a project for new council house building proposed by Edinburgh District Council.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

The District Council was recently asked to reconsider its proposals for eight houses and a shop at Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, which fall short of the Building Standards (Scotland) (Consolidation) Regulations 1971 in certain respects.

Mr. Robin F. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any restrictions on local authority capital expenditure were intended to reduce their building programme.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

Present restrictions on local authority capital expenditure will result in postponement of some building projects.

Mr. Robin F. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice he gives

Lochend/Restalrig Phase I (350 houses)

Scheme approved in principle and not proceeded with

Niddrie Phase I (344 houses)

Approved in principle in 1975–76 but excluded from 1976–77 programme before reaching contract letting stage.