126. Mr. Steeleasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Cove and Kilcreggan Burgh is one of the two local authorities in Scotland that have not 48W completed a single house since 1945; and what steps he intends to take to ensure the housing needs of the people being met in this locality.
Mr. McNeilSince my reply on 26th July last, all the 20 houses which the Town Council are building have been roofed, and I hope that their completion will not be long delayed.
§ Sir W. Darlingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what housing allocation was offered to the City of Edinburgh in 1949, 1950 and 1951; and what reason was given to him for their non-acceptance of 200 houses included in the allocation.
Mr. McNeilThe Corporation were authorised in 1949 to build 1,200 houses, in 1950–1,600 houses, and in 1951–1,300 houses. In addition, they were authorised specially in 1950 to build 100 houses on the understanding that 75 per cent. would be used for the rehousing of families in requisitioned properties. No allocations were refused by the Corporation, but they asked that 150 houses which they had been asked to build for miners, should be built by the Scottish Special Housing Association and this is being done.
§ Sir W. Darlingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate housing is available for producers engaged on the rearmament programme in Scotland.
Mr. McNeilAs may be necessary, I authorise local authorities and the Scottish Special Housing Association to build additional houses for industrial workers engaged in urgent work of national importance, including the defence programme.