§ 81. Mr. WILKIEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to a protest from the Stirling Trades Council against the rents fixed by the Stirling town council and approved by the Scottish Board of Health for new houses at Shiphaugh; whether he is aware that, while the rents of the new houses have been fixed at £24 to £28, the rents of houses of similar accommodation in the district vary from £8 to £17 10s., and that the rates of wages prevailing in Stirling make it impossible for any workmen to pay the rent demanded for the new houses; and whether he will have this question reconsidered?
§ Mr. MUNROI have seen the protest referred to. I am informed that before approving the rents fixed by the local authority for the new houses at Stirling the Board gave careful attention to the considerations mentioned by my hon. Friend. In respect of superiority in conditions and amenity of the new houses, and other considerations, the Board were satisfied, however, that the rents as fixed are in accordance with the regulations governing the matter. I am advised that numerous applications have been made by 1831 members of the working classes for the houses referred to. In these circumstances I do not think reconsideration is necessary.