§ Mr. STEPHENasked the Secretary for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the serious situation which has arisen in the Camlachie Division of Glasgow, where a tenement situated at 1658 11, Greenvale Street, Mile End, has collapsed, causing serious injury to several of the tenants of the houses; whether he is aware that this occurrence took place in the early hours of the morning; that there is no alternative accommodation for people rendered homeless in such or other similar circumstances; and what steps he is prepared to take to assist the people rendered homeless to get houses and to inspect the houses in working-class districts with a view of preventing such accidents in the future?
§ Sir J. GILMOUR:I have made inquiry into this case, and am informed that the property in question did not collapse. An adjoining property was being demolished by the corporation in connection with their alum clearance scheme. After demolition, it was discovered that there were no walls in the bed recesses in the gable of No. 11, Greenvale Street. One lodger received slight injury to his arms through falling plaster. The bed recesses have now been boarded up and the tenants are remaining in the houses. I am informed that instructions have been given by the corporation to avoid similar happenings in future demolitions. Buildings in Glasgow are regularly inspected by the Master of Works, and, if found dangerous, are reported to the Dean of Guild Court.
§ Mr. STEPHENI would like to ask whether the Secretary for Scotland will endeavour to see that these people living in these boarded-up houses will get the opportunity of a house under the Corporation at the earliest moment?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThat is a matter obviously for the local authority.
§ Mr. BUCHANAN:The statement has been made that these houses are inspected regularly. This is the only one of a fairly large number of similar happenings in Glasgow, and therefore either the inspectors are not carrying out their duties or certain facts are escaping their notice. What steps is the Secretary for Scotland prepared to take to see that similar happenings do not occur again in working-class areas in Glasgow?
§ Sir J. GILMOUR:The matter has been brought to the attention of the local 1659 authority, and I have received an undertaking from them that great care is going to be taken.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIn this case, as in other cases, are the factors or owners extracting increased rents? Will the Secretary for Scotland make inquiry into that point and safeguard the rights of the tenant?
§ Mr. STEPHENWill the Secretary for Scotland use his influence with the local authority to see that provision is made for the people who have been placed in these circumstances, and will there also be arrangements made for compensation to these people for the shock they underwent?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThat is a matter entirely for the local authority, but I will bring it to their notice.