asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will describe the procedure to be followed by local authorities in erecting houses for farm-workers under the latest scheme?

The houses will be built by the local authorities in accordance with the usual procedure under the Housing (Scotland) Acts. The sites of the houses will, however, be selected in consultation with the Agricultural Executive Committees. Model plans have been prepared by the Department of Health for Scotland in consultation with the Design Sub-Committee of the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee and these plans have been issued to the local authorities for their guidance. The local authorities will obtain tenders for houses in the usual way.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that there will be no avoidable delay, through red tape or any other cause, in carrying out this scheme?

Yes, I can give that assurance.