§ Mr. Galbraithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what special help the Government intend to provide for the solution of Glasgow's housing problems.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellWe intend to take three special measures, tailored to Glasgow's special needs.
First, we will use new town powers to establish a new community in the Stonehouse area of Lanarkshire. Our initial objective will be to have about 10,000 houses built there, a proportion of them by private enterprise. This can be started quickly, because we can call on the existing Development Corporation of East Kilbride to undertake the development.
397WSecondly, we will use the Scottish Special Housing Association to build about 7,000 more houses for families coming out from Glasgow. The Association's present building programme of 3,000 houses at Erskine will be increased. Sites for the balance of the additional 7,000 will be found in discussion with the West Central Scotland Plan Steering Committee and the local authorities around the city.
Thirdly, we intend to help Glasgow Corporation in a determined new effort to improve conditions in the city for living and working. If the Corporation can prepare an acceptable programme of urgent action for improving the city's environment, backed by its own effort and funds, the Government are willing to make substantial sums available to assist it in its task. These sums could be grants of the order of £1 million a year or the equivalent for the next five years. I intend to discuss at once with the Corporation how the environmental problems can best be tackled, for example by improving existing houses and their surroundings and by tidying up derelict and undeveloped land; and what sort of assistance from the Government this requires.