asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent it is his policy to encourage the building of private houses for letting.

The Government's policy is to encourage the provision of more houses of better quality.

That does not answer my Question. I asked the right hon. Gentleman if he will encourage the building of private houses for letting and he has not answered that question. Will he encourage local authorities to encourage housing associations and other bodies to build houses for letting? It is quite impossible for him to get cities like Glasgow to accept outside businesses such as the Post Office Savings Bank unless there is an adequate variety of housing. This is a very important matter. Will he use his influence to get a greater variety of house building in Scotland?

I can assure the hon. Member that I will use my authority and influence to encourage all forms of building in Scotland for letting and for sale, but when he refers to the business of building for letting he had better face facts. I see no great enthusiasm on the part of private and speculative builders to meet the real needs of Scotland in respect of building private houses for letting. I shall encourage the Housing Corporation.