§ Mr. Timmonsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the reason for the delay in the delivery of temporary houses to the Lanarkshire County Council where sites are prepared.
§ Mr. BuchananThe number of temporary houses for which sites were reported as serviced prior to 30th October was 300 and against these 140 complete houses and 159 hulls have been delivered and are already erected or are being erected. Since 30th October two additional sites for no houses have been reported as serviced and deliveries in these cases will be arranged as soon as practicable.
§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the views of the Sorn Committee, which in paragraph 27 of their Report stated that, on account of climatic conditions, the traditional larger rooms and the local bye-laws in Scotland, the cost of housebuilding in Scotland is substantially higher than that in England; and if he will reconsider his decision not to press for higher housing subsidies for Scottish houses.
§ Mr. BuchananIf the hon. Member has in mind the subsidies payable to local authorities, the existing rates are substantially higher in- Scotland than in England. These rates are under review and all differentiating factors, including cost, are being taken into account.
§ Mr. Timmonsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Scottish Special Housing Association intend to start the 500 houses in Lanarkshire, especially at Holy town and Newstevenson where the sites are serviced.
§ Mr. BuchananI am informed that work on the erection of 50 houses at Holy-town started on the 22nd November. Sites have been approved and layout plans are well advanced for 332 additional houses and a site is at present under consideration for the remaining 118 houses. The completion of these houses will be pressed on as rapidly as possible.
§ Mr. Timmonsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he proposes to take to deal with owners of slum property who refuse to carry out repairs specified by local authorities.
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§ Mr. BuchananLocal authorities already have powers to require owners of houses to carry out repairs specified by the local authority. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind I shall be glad to have inquiries made on receiving further particulars.