§ 34. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses, other than those built of stone, brick, or concrete, have been erected this year in Scotland?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am endeavouring to obtain the information asked for and I shall communicate with the hon. Member after the inquiries, which are now being made, have been completed.
§ 36. Mr. STEPHENasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if in view of the Report of the condition of unsanitary houses in Glasgow, he will consider the introduction of legislation to make it illegal for property owners to take rent for houses which have been declared unfit for human habitation by the sanitary authorities?
§ Sir J. GILMOURLocal authorities already have statutory powers to deal with houses unfit for human habitation either by requiring the owners to make them habitable or by closing and demolishing them. In the circumstances I am not prepared to consider the introduction of further legislation on the subject.
§ Mr. STEPHENIn view of the fact that there are so many of these houses in Glasgow which are in such a deplorable condition, as is indicated in the Report of the Scottish Department itself, does the Minister not see the importance of keeping people from making profit out of these terrible houses?
§ Sir J. GILMOURPower is already given to local authorities to deal with this problem.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIn the event of the local authorities not playing a human part, is it not the duty of the right hon. Gentleman to step in?