§ 118. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has considered the statement issued on l0th May by the Fife county clerk, setting out the details of his criticism to the effect that housing progress in Scotland is hampered by red tape and forms, and his plea for a less rigid control of housing by 60W Government Departments; and whether his Department proposes to make any reply to these charges.
§ Mr. BuchananI am satisfied that there is not the slightest foundation for the criticism made in the statement referred to. Central control and supervision have been kept to the minimum consistent with the requirements of national planning and the discharge of the Secretary of State's statutory duties. I can assure the hon. Member that no more forms are used than are essential for these purposes and the fair distribution of labour and materials. Measured by the substantial number of sites and tenders already approved, the position is that far from preparations having been delayed they have been expedited to the maximum possible extent.