§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when was the last major survey on the structural condition of the Scottish housing stock; if he is satisfied with the adequacy of the present housing stock; and what plans he has to complete a major national survey which would give an accurate up-to-date picture of Scottish housing conditions.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownLocal authorities have a statutory responsibility to undertake the surveys necessary to deal with the problem of houses below the tolerable standard in their areas, and were requested in Circular 100, issued by the Scottish Development Department on 1st October 1975, to assess housing needs in their areas. My right hon. Friend has no plans for a major national survey, as it is expected that a thorough and informative picture of Scottish housing needs will emerge through district authorities' "Housing Plans", arrangements for which are presently being discussed with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities in Scotland.