HC Deb 22 June 1937 vol 325 cc1014-5
55. Mr. McGovern

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the large number of accidents in Glasgow where children have fallen on spiked railings; and whether he will introduce legislation to abolish all spiked railings on housing schemes?

Mr. Elliot

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Since 1922 the erection of spiked railings in or between back courts in Glasgow has been prohibited; and if a provisional order now before Parliament is confirmed, existing spiked railings in or between back courts will become illegal after the expiry of four years from the date of confirmation.

Mr. McGovern

In the event of that Provisional Order not operating, will the right hon. Member attempt to bring in some legislation to abolish this very obsolescent method of protecting private property?

Mr. Elliot

I have no reason to think that the Provisional Order will not be confirmed.

Miss Wilkinson

Is the danger to children to continue for four years when it is only a question of putting a railing on top of the spikes?

Mr. Elliot

The hon. Lady should ask the Labour authorities in Glasgow, not me.

Mr. Buchanan

While appreciating the efforts made by Glasgow, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this danger is not confined to Glasgow alone, and will he not undertake to introduce legislation to abolish it in Scotland generally?

Mr. Elliot

That is another question.

Mr. McGovern

Do I take it according to the statement made by the right hon. Gentleman, that the Glasgow Corporation have power now to abolish spiked railings?

Mr. Elliot

I should not like to say without notice.

Mr. McGovern

The right hon. Gentleman made the allegation.

Mr. Elliot

I made no such allegation. The Provisional Order will come into force in four years, according to the terms of the Order.

Mr. McGovern

The right hon. Gentleman said the Labour majority could do it.

Mr. Elliot

That is the date on which the Order will come into force.

Miss Wilkinson

On a point of Order. The right hon. Gentleman having made a statement which certainly conveyed to the House that he was making an allegation against the Labour majority in Glasgow, now states that he is making no such allegation. I wish to call the attention of the House to that statement.