THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked His Majesty's Government whether they are aware that in the Housing Return for Scotland (Command 7682) it is stated on page 5 that the total number of houses in Scotland under construction was 35,656 on 31st March, 1949, as compared with 38,612 on 31st December, 1948, a reduction of 2,956; that it further states on page 9 that the total labour force employed on housing was 51,400 on 31st March. 1949, compared with 56,300 on 31st December, 1948, a decrease of 4,900; and if they will explain why, in face of this deteriorating position, they persist in restricting the number of additional houses which Scottish local authorities are permitted to begin to build particularly considering that, relatively speaking, the housing situation in Scotland is much worse than it is in England.
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§ LORD MORRISONFar from deteriorating, housing progress in Scotland has steadily improved during the past eighteen months. Some 12,000 permanent houses were completed in 1947; the figure rose to 21,200 in 1948; and the present rate of completion is about 25,000 a year. This has been made possible by the Government's policy of ensuring that the building labour and materials available for housing in Scotland are concentrated on completing houses for occupation within reasonable time and avoiding a large number of uncompleted houses under construction. Because of this improvement, my right honourable friend has already authorised the starting of some 17,000 additional houses this year, and local authorities are now being asked to make preparations for starting substantial additional numbers in 1950.