§ Mr. KIRKW00Dasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses have been built in Scotland under the 1930 Housing Act; how many have been 2241W approved; what was the original programme of the local authorities for rehousing schemes under this Act; and whether he proposes to take action against those local authorities which have failed to proceed with housing schemes under the 1930 Act?
§ Sir G. COLLINSAt 30th April, 1933, the latest date for which particulars are available, 5997 houses had been completed under the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1930. Up to 29th May tenders had been approved for the erection of a total of 16,739 houses under the Act, including those already completed, and in addition approval had been given to the erection of eight hostels for the accommodation of 174 single persons. In the general statements submitted in terms of the Act local authorities proposed to provide 38,890 houses in the three years 1931–1933 to replace houses unfit for human habitation. As regards the last part of the question, the Department are in constant touch with local authorities with a view to the erection of houses to replace unfit houses. The Department have already exercised their powers under Section 37 of the Act in certain cases, and are prepared to do so in any further cases where that course is necessary.