HC Deb 13 May 1924 vol 173 cc1140-1
49. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the house occupied by Mr. Gilmour in Factory Place, Raise Street, Saltcoats, had the door taken off and the windows taken out by order of the factor or proprietor to secure possession of the house from the tenant, who is a man with a wife and three of a family; and if he will find time to introduce legislation to prevent such a method of eviction?

Mr. ADAMSON

I have been asked to reply to this question. I have not been able to obtain a full report on this case, but on the information before me the facts seem to be substantially as stated in the question, and I have called for a further report. As regards the prospects of legislation, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Prime Minister, on 5th May, to a question by the hon. Member for West Woolwich. I may add, however, that I am in negotiation with the Scottish House Owners and Factors' Association, and have some grounds for hoping that an arrangement may be come to whereby unemployed persons like Mr. Gilmour will not be evicted for non-payment of rent.