§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what consultations he has had with local authorities in order to discuss methods of altering the cost yard-stock system;
(2) what steps he is taking to reduce the time taken to scrutinise individual schemes under the cost yardstick procedure and to keep changes in yardstick levels in line with present rapidly rising material costs;
(3) if he is satisfied with the present operation of the cost yardstick system; and what changes he plans to make to it.
§ Mr. William RossIndicative costs for public sector housing were last increased on 20th May and I shall be announcing a further increase very soon. I intend at the same time to introduce an additional cost allowance of £250 for small dwellings built in the public sector as an encouragement to local authorities to concentrate on the need, emphasised in SDD Circular No. 50/1975, to provide for smaller households.
I have no evidence that the cost control procedures operated by my Department cause undue delay, provided that housing developments which are submitted for approval have been properly 93W cost planned and the standards and prices are reasonable. I am reviewing the housing cost control arrangements as part of a longer-term review of housing finance 94W and, as I informed the hon. Member on 14th July—[Vol. 895, c. 319–20]—will consult the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities at the appropriate stage.