HC Deb 02 April 1974 vol 871 cc335-6W
Mrs. Winifred Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has to encourage private house building in Scotland.

Mr. William Ross

The main limitations on private house building at present are shortage of funds for lending and high interest rates. Following my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment's recent discussions with representatives of the Building Societies Association an urgent assessment is being carried out of factors affecting mortgage rates in the short term.

Mr. Corrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many private houses have been built in Ayrshire in the past year; and how many are unsold.

Mr. William Ross

874 private houses were completed in Ayrshire in 1973. Information is not readily available on numbers of unsold houses.