asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many steel-built houses in Scotland are in need of modernisation; and what would be the total cost of such modernisation.

I estimate that there are about 13,000 steel houses owned by public sector authorities in Scotland, erected 25 or more years ago, most of which are likely to require some structural repair and modernisation over the next 10–15 years. It will be for the authorities concerned to determine in detail what works may be necessary and the cost involved.