§ 4. Mr. STEPHENasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that on 16th June his predecessor stated in reply to a question that the Glasgow Corporation were aware of the insanitary condition of the house at 18, Soho Street, Glasgow, and that early steps would be taken to rehouse the people concerned; that so far nothing has been done; and whether he will take steps to see that the assurance given in the House is fulfilled?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am aware that in the reply referred to the late Secretary of State stated that the Glasgow Corporation hoped to take early action with respect to these houses, but I am informed that they have not yet been able to deal with them. The corporation state that they are proceeding with all possible speed with their housing programme, but that there are still many worse houses in the city with which they have to deal first.
§ Mr. STEPHENWill the right hon. Gentleman address himself to the point, that an assurance was given to the House, through the former Secretary of State, that they hoped to be able to rehouse these people at an early date, and the Glasgow Corporation has not carried out that assurance?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOOREBefore the right hon. Gentleman replies, may I ask him what are the means by which he can force or induce this Socialist corporation to carry out its duties in a humanitarian way?
§ Mr. STEPHENMay I have an answer?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe question on the Paper relates to the condition of Glasgow 198 housing. I think we must all agree that it is a scandal which we desire to terminate at the earliest possible moment.
§ Mr. STEPHENWill the right hon. Gentleman not realise that an assurance was given publicly to this House, through the Secretary of State, by the corporation, and can he not take steps to secure that the corporation will make good the assurance that it gave to the House?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI have a copy of the answer in which the late Secretary of State distinctly said:
The Corporation of Glasgow inform me that they are aware of the condition of the houses referred to and that they hope to take early action with respect to them."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 16th June, 1936; col. 813, Vol. 315.]I do not think that can be construed as a pledge.
§ 6. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of houses in Glasgow at present occupied which are of one apartment; the number of houses without lavatory accommodation in the house; and the number without bathroom and lavatory accommodation?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe number of one-apartment houses occupied in Glasgow at the end of October, 1936, was 34,375. In regard to the second and third parts of the question, I cannot give exact figures, but the number of houses in Glasgow without a separate water closet is about 100,000; very few, if any, of these houses have a bath. Additional to these the number of houses with a separate water closet but no bath is about 53,000.
§ Mr. T. JOHNSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these terrible housing conditions, inherited by the present, Corporation of Glasgow, are the result of a century of neglect by his friends?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI think they are due to a century of neglect by everyone, but that does not mean we should not do something now.
§ 7. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that in the Gorbals Division in Glasgow large numbers of families are living in one-apartment houses with no lavatory accommodation; that in some cases the house is occupied by five or six children and two adults and in other 199 cases occupied by members of a family who suffer from tuberculosis; that these folk have made repeated efforts for houses without success; and whether he proposes to take any steps in this matter?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am aware that conditions in the Gorbals Division are substantially as stated in the question, although I understand that in letting houses to overcrowded families the corporation are guided by their medical officer of health, who gives full weight to the existence of an infectious case of tuberculosis in a family applying for a house. It will take time to eliminate all the unsatisfactory houses in Glasgow, but I am in constant touch with the corporation to ensure that the maximum possible progress is maintained.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied at the moment with the rate of progress in the provision of houses for these poor, unfortunate people?
§ Mr. ELLIOTNo, Sir, I certainly am not, and I hope and believe that the corporation is not either.
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the rate of progress in any other part of the country?
§ Mr. BUCHANANI beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.