§ 18. Mr. WESTWOODasked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he is aware of the lack of proper sanitary arrangements in a large number of the houses in Direlton, near North Berwick; that in many cases there is neither proper drainage from the houses nor water in the houses; that some of the two-roomed houses are going to have still further curtailed accommodation, by space in one of the rooms being used for building a water-closet; and that only one water-closet is being built for each two houses in the case inquired about; and what action does he propose with a view to bringing the sanitary arrangements of the district up to date and the enforcing of sanitary conveniences without curtailing the use of the present living room?
§ Captain ELLIOT (Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Health, Scotland)I have a report from the sanitary inspector of the district, dated the 2nd instant, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. I am satisfied from the report that reasonable steps are being taken by the local authority to secure the introduction of modern sanitary conveniences into the houses still without these. In addition, between 300 and 400 new houses are being constructed in the district., causing a shortage of labour which retards the progress of schemes of improvement.
§ Mr.WESTWOODIs it not a fact that in some of these houses, where they have taken accommodation off for the purpose 735 of putting in water-closets, there is plenty of available room outside for the building of these places rather than taking away from the limited accommodation available in the houses?
§ Captain ELLIOTWe have a special report from the sanitary inspector. Perhaps it would be convenient if the hon. Member would await a copy of that report.