§ Major GLYNasked the Secretary for Scotland what specific steps have been taken by the Local Government Board in Scotland since 1st January of this year to assist local authorities in hastening the preparation of various schemes for housing and town planning; and whether, in view of the extreme urgency of the question before the passing of the Scottish Housing Bill, he will provide every means possible to assist local authorities in carrying forward schemes in anticipation of that measure?
§ Mr. MUNROThe Local Government Board for Scotland, since the issue of their Circular of 18th March, 1918, have endeavoured by communications with local authorities, by meetings between local authorities and their officials and the Board's inspectors, and by the issue of circulars, memoranda, plans, etc., to assist local authorities in the preparation of housing schemes. In their Circular of 12th February they indicated to local authorities the procedure to be followed so as to avoid delay. Various schemes have since 1st January been sanctioned by the Board, and they have been in communication with the Ministry of Supply with a view to producing and making available ample materials for housing schemes. The Board hope to issue at an early date a selection of the plans in the recent architectural competition promoted by them. These plans were also exhibited publicly for the information of local authorities and their officials, architects, and others interested. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.