§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish in the Official Report the amount of building land sold by Scottish local authorities to the private building sector in the years 1978, 1979 and 1980 and the names of the local authorities concerned.
§ Mr. RifkindThis information is not held centrally.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will have discussions with the Scottish local authorities with a view to releasing land to the private house building sector as a means of reducing the high unemployment in the Scottish building industry.
§ Mr. RifkindI am not aware of any significant shortage of housing land in Scotland as a whole at present, but I am conscious of the need to ensure that a continuing supply of suitable land is available at all times. The structure plans which regional councils have prepared or are preparing include estimates of the amount of land required for private housing and identify its general location. In approving these plans my right hon. Friend has an opportunity to ensure that the supply is adequate.