§ Mr. BUCHANAN (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that a large number of families are under the threat of eviction in Glasgow caused mainly through the inability to pay rent arising from unemployment and low wages; further, if he is aware that a Mr. Maxwell, residing at 45, Cramond Street, Glasgow, S.S., was evicted; his wife and four children put on the street to the danger of their health; and if he will take steps to stop this and similar cases from arising?
The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. William Adamson)According to the information which, I have been able to obtain since receiving notice of my hon. Friend's question, the position is as follows. In numerous cases proceedings have been taken against tenants in Glas- 143 gow, but I understand that in the Sheriff Court at Glasgow special consideration is shown where a plea of unemployment is put forward and that the practice is for the Sheriff to continue the case conditionally on payment of a weekly amount which he considers the tenant can pay. Decree of ejection is not granted if these amounts are paid. Further, I understand that many cases have been adjusted through the Lord Provost's Fund and through the Tribunal presided over by Bailie G. Kerr which was in operation for some time. In the particular case referred to by my hon. Friend, I am in course of making inquiries, the result of which I shall communicate to him. On my present information I understand that the tenant did not appear in Court when the case was called, that warrant was granted in absence but that execution of the warrant was delayed for some weeks in order to give him an opportunity to make an arrangement. The responsibility for decision in all such cases is placed by the law upon the Courts, and I have no power to interfere in the direction indicated by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs my right hon. Friend aware that, in this man's case, at the same time he was summoned to appear at the local Employment Exchange, and that he had to choose between losing his benefit and appearing at the Sheriff Court? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that they actually carried out the eviction, putting the man's furniture into the street, and that it was only by the good offices of a local councillor that it was put back, that we offered to pay to the factor £7 of the £11 of arrears of rent; that this sum the factor refused to accept and insisted upon the man going out, and that on Saturday the man will have to leave unless the Secretary for Scotland does something? In view of the fact that every reasonable offer has been made to the house factor, what steps does my right hon. Friend propose to take to see that this man has not to leave his house again on Saturday?
Mr. ADAMSONNone of these points has been brought to my notice, but I will make inquiries regarding them.
§ Mr. BANKSWill the right hon. Gentleman guarantee that all civil pro- 144 ceedings will be stayed against owners of house property who may not be able to meet their obligations because their tenants will not pay rents?
§ Mr. MAXTONArising out of the original reply of the Secretary for Scotland, would he make inquiries to find out whether it is the fact that the decisions of the Sheriff Courts in Glasgow, as stated in his answer, are being persistently evaded, that while in one Court arrangements are made by the sheriff by which the arrears may be paid in easy instalments, immediately thereafter the house owner takes the same tenant into another Court and gets an order for ejectment? Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into these matters and see that the law is given proper effect to, and not evaded?
Mr. ADAMSONThat matter is now being brought to my attention for the first time. I will have inquiries made.