§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what encouragement he is giving local authorities to develop sheltered housing schemes; and how many new projects are likely to be completed within the coming year.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownI have asked local authorities to make comprehensive assessments of housing needs, including those of the elderly and the disabled, and to develop their future housing strategies accordingly. Under the system of local housing plans which I intend to have operative from 1978–79 authorities will be expected to show that they plan for adequate progress to be made in their areas towards meeting the various housing needs which have been determined. I cannot forecast the number of new sheltered houses which are likely to be completed within the next year, but 668 such houses were approved in 1976.