§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the opposition by local authorities to the financial requirement imposed upon them for strengthening of high rise flats carried out at his instruction, he will now meet representatives of local authorities, with a view to seeking a mutually agreed solution to this problem.
§ Mr. RossThe local authorities concerned have received an offer of grant, and have been told that my noble Friend the Joint Under-Secretary of State will be prepared to discuss with them matters arising from the offer, if they so desire.
§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the responsibility of the National Building Agency for the approval of the design for high rise flats, he will provide for a proportion of the increased cost to be paid by this agency; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossThe agency appraises systems of industrialised building, but this does not relieve local authorities of responsibility for the design of buildings which they commission. The agency's funds come entirely from the Government, who have offered to meet 40 per cent. of approved expenditure on remedial works.
§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost of the strengthening of the high rise flats in Coatbridge; and what amount will 199W be paid by the Government and the Coatbridge Town Council, respectively.
§ Mr. RossNo proposals for carrying out such work have yet been received from Coatbridge Town Council, but, along with other authorities concerned, the council has been told that the Government will pay grant equal to 40 per cent. of the net approved expenditure on strengthening blocks and of other reasonably incidental expenditure.