HC Deb 04 November 1947 vol 443 c1517
37. Mr. McAllister

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether he will review his decision not to allow the squatters at the Old Dechmont Camp, Cambuslang, Lanarkshire, to arrange with the Clyde Valley Electric Supply Co., Ltd., to renew the supply of electricity, as the Scottish Office assured the hon. Member for Rutherglen that if the War Office required the camp, Scottish Command would consult with the Department of Health about alternative accommodation as the squatters, in seeking to have the supply reconnected, were following the advice of the Minister of Fuel and Power in his letter to the hon. Member for Rutherglen, dated 15th July, 1947, and as conditions of living will be intolerable for them in the winter, especially for the many women, young children and infants, unless some means of heating the camp is available.

Mr. Shinwell

My hon. Friend will have received a letter dated 27th October, 1947, which fully covers the points he has raised in his Question.

Mr. McAllister

While not thanking the Secretary of State for his answer, may I ask him if he is aware that many of the inhabitants of this camp are miners, and will he consult with the Minister of Fuel and Power to see what the effect of living in cold freezing huts in the winter will be on the miners' output?

Mr. Shinwell

I have done my best in this matter. I really cannot do any more.