§ Mrs. Hartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what guidance he has given to local authorities to use British rather than imported timber frame houses;
740W
§ Mr. William RossFigures for 1964–65 are not available in a suitable form. 1966–67 is the earliest year for which information comparable with that for 1974–75 is available. The figures are as follows:
(2) how many prefabricated timber frame houses have been imported by local authorities in Scotland in each of the last five years; and how many have been supplied from Scottish or United Kingdom sources.
741W
§ Mr. William RossSubject to cost considerations local authorities are free to decide what form of construction will suit their requirements and to invite tenders accordingly. I am anxious for them to use home-based products wherever possible, in schemes of prefabricated timber houses, among others. This view has been made known in discussions which my hon. Friend has had with local authorities.
Following are the numbers of prefabricated timber-framed dwellings as reported by Scottish public sector housing authorities in tenders let by them:
Manufactured in Year United Kingdom Elsewhere 1970 709 — 1971 1,106 25 1972 61 60 1973 312 — 1974 309 923 The figures include a total of 1,126 all-timber prefabricated houses, of which 161 were supplied by a Scottish contractor and the remainder were imported.