§ Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that there 13 no shortage of houses at Balerno, Midlothian, yet the county council is proceeding with a housing scheme and acquiring compulsorily land which is valuable and productive farm land and unsuitable for the proposed houses, as it is remote from the quarries which give employment to the main body of the population and as it involves further building on a road which is already dangerous to traffic and congested with dwellings; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. MUNROThe information in my possession indicates that there is a need for houses at Balerno. The application by the county council for confirmation of the proposed Order for the compulsory acquisition of a site will be considered by the Scottish Board of Health together with any objections lodged against the Order. The considerations mentioned in the question will also be kept in view.