Mr. Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the advisability of experimenting with timber houses in Scotland to overcome the difficulties caused by the shortage of orthodox building materials and labour; if timber houses have been erected by a local authority in any part of Scotland; what has been the experience regarding the suitability of these houses compared with other dwellings; and under what authority such houses qualify for subsidy?
§ Mr. ElliotThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Apart from the reconstruction of huts as temporary houses immediately after the War, timber houses for permanent occupation have been provided by the town council of Dundee and the county councils2006W of Aberdeen and Ayr with State assistance under the Acts of 1919, 1924 and 1935 respectively. The houses in Ayr County were only recently completed, but I am informed that experience shows that the houses built in Dundee and Aberdeen County are in every way suitable. In addition two Swedish timber houses are at present being erected on land belonging to the Prisons Department for Scotland at Carntyre.
§ Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to a housing scheme of the Blaydon Urban District Council to provide accommodation for young married couples; and whether, as in parts of Scotland these couples are barred from new council houses due to the operation of the present housing policy, he will investigate this scheme with a view to similar schemes being put into operation by Scottish urban district and town councils?
§ Mr. ElliotI am aware of the scheme referred to by the hon. Member. In view of the present housing conditions in Scotland it is essential that local authorities should concentrate on the provision of new accommodation for the replacement of unfit houses and for putting an end to overcrowding. It is hoped, however, that decrowning operations will release fit houses which will be available for young married couples and others for whom the houses are suitable.