§ 24. Mr. WALLACEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, having regard to the continued dissatisfaction of the workers in His Majesty's Dockyard, Rosyth, at the high rents paid for housing accommodation, he will institute an independent inquiry into the whole question?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe question of the rents paid by the men is one that has been very fully considered by the Admiralty, and in this connection I would invite my hon. Friend's attention to the reply given by me on the 12th August last to my right hon. Friend the Member for Fife West. Since that reply was given, the Admiralty have considered further representations made by the Rosyth Ratepayers' Association, but on the information furnished they decided that there was no case for a reduction in rent being made, and the association were so informed on 2nd September last.
§ Mr. WALLACEIn view of the fact that the valuation has been recently raised, does he not think that a fresh case for inquiry, and does he not realise that an independent, competent inquiry into this matter would finally settle the whole vexed question?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is a fact that assessment has been increased by £5 recently. I give no undertaking whatever arising out of that, but the effect of that upon the rents should be looked into, and if my hon. Friend has any fresh evidence to justify us in making a further inquiry, I will be glad to receive it.