§ Mr. Buchananasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with private contractors on the post-war building of houses in Scotland; will he state their names and whether any arrangements have been arrived at?
Mr. JohnstonI had a meeting recently with the Scottish National Building Trades Federation (Employers) who put forward proposals for a basic price system of tendering for house building after the war. I asked the Federation to send me a memorandum setting out their views in greater detail, but I have not yet received it.
§ Mr. Snaddenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many houses he estimates can be built in the counties of Perth and Kinross within one year of the end of the war with Germany; and how these houses are to be distributed in the various areas;
1417W(2) what extent of land has been acquired for post-war housing by local authorities in the counties of Perth and Kinross; and how many houses it is proposed to build thereon?
Mr. JohnstonThe number of houses which it will be possible to build in any specified area in the first year after the war will depend upon the extent to which labour and materials are available, but my aim is to see that all local authorities have sites and plans ready so that they may begin building as soon as conditions permit. The town council of Perth already own sufficient land for about boo houses and the town councils of the small burghs in Perth and Kinross have land for about 120 houses. The Department of Health are in touch with the town councils about the acquisition of additional land. The location of the houses to be given priority of building in the landward areas of the counties is a matter presently under discussion between the Department of Health and the county councils.