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Housing (Scotland)

Volume 436: debated on Tuesday 22 April 1947

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Requisitioned Houses, Edinburgh

32.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the concern felt in Edinburgh at the number of dwelling-houses suitable for the housing of homeless people by the corporation that have, with his approval, been requisitioned for use as office premises; and whether he will, in future, refrain from overruling the decisions of the town council.

It would be inconsistent with my position as appeal authority in the type of case which the hon. Member has no doubt in mind if I were to give any advance undertaking that I would always accept the town council's view, whatever it might happen to be. I must be free to consider each case on its merits. Edinburgh is the main centre for Government Department headquarters in Scotland, and accommodation must be found for the staffs required by the Departments.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the provision of homes for the people ought to have priority over the provision of office accommodation?

I have taken every factor into consideration, but it ought to be obvious to everyone that I must get accommodation for the Government staffs necessary to carry on the work of the country.

Aluminium Houses, Eastriggs

35.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when delivery will be made of the aluminium houses for Eastriggs which were due to be delivered last November.

Aluminium houses were ready for delivery to Eastriggs at the beginning of last November, but because the work of servicing the site was at that time not sufficiently advanced they were erected on other sites in the county. The closing of the factory during the fuel crisis caused some further delay. But it is now hoped to start delivery during the first week in May.

Modernisation

37.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement as to the Report of the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee on the modernisation of existing houses.

Yes, Sir. This Report was published last week, and copies were sent to all Scottish Members. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking the Scottish Housing Advisory Committee for the careful study which they have made of the problem of the modernisation and improvement of existing houses in Scotland. Their conclusions and detailed recommendations will be of great assistance to the Government in considering this important subject. While a majority of the members of the Committee recommend that grants and /or loans for modernisation purposes should be made available to private persons, local authorities and housing associations, a minority are opposed to grants being given out of public funds to private persons and consider that these facilities should be extended only to local authorities. There is no possibility of Parliamentary time being found for legislation during the present session, and, as the House is aware, the Government intend that during 1947 available labour and materials should be concentrated on the completion of new houses. I am, however, considering the Committee's recommendations in detail and will make a further statement as to the Government's intentions before the Session ends.

Would my right hon. Friend say whether modernisation includes keeping many of these houses from falling down?

No, Sir. That would not be modernisation. No sensible local authority would agree to provide funds, either from themselves or the State, for houses which ought to be demolished. There is good property which could be modernised and this Committee went fully into the matter and made recommendations based upon it.