HC Deb 06 December 1967 vol 755 cc306-7W
Mr. James Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many new houses will be completed in the North-East of Scotland, county by county, in the course of the current financial year.

Mr. Ross

I cannot say precisely. The Housing Return for Scotland to 30th September, 1967, which was published on 9th November, shows for each local authority area the number of houses started and completed between January and September and the number under construction at 30th September.

Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will seek to take powers which would enable him to instruct local authorities in Scotland to consider afresh their house-letting schemes and to submit their schemes to him for his approval; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ross

This is one of the matters dealt with in the Report on Allocating Council Houses, prepared by a sub-committee of the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee. I am examining it, but I do not intend to take any decision until I have the views of local authorities and the full Committee.

Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in order to alleviate the burdens at present borne by local councillors, he will introduce legislation to ensure that the allocation of houses to tenants becomes the ultimate responsibility of housing managers, whilst leaving councillors with the right to make representations on such matters, as recommended by the report on Housing Management in Scotland submitted to him by the Sub-Committee of the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee.

Mr. Ross

No. The ultimate responsibility must rest with the elected members. The Report on Housing Management recommended that the operation of a scheme of allocation approved by the council should be delegated to the housing manager. This would not require legislation.

Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he has now taken on the Kay Report on the Allocation of Council Houses.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

My right hon. Friend is still awaiting the comments of many important local authorities before consulting the Housing Advisory Committee and the local authority associations preparatory to reaching conclusions.