§ 59. Mr. E. BROWNasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his attention has been drawn to the Eighth Annual Report of the Scottish Board of Health, and, in particular, to Chapter 2, paragraph 16, as to the insanitary conditions in Glasgow slums; and if any action has been taken on this Report or, if not, if the Board of Health contemplate immediate action to deal with these conditions?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John Gilmour)I am aware of the terms of the paragraph in question. As indicated therein, it is a quotation from the Report of the Commissioner appointed by the Scottish Board of Health to inquire into an improvement scheme submitted by the Corporation of Glasgow under Part II of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1925. Details of the corporation's proposals for dealing with the areas to which the Commissioner's Report refers will be found in paragraph 15 of the Report. The improvement scheme has now been confirmed by the Board, and the local authority are in course of carrying out its provisions, which include the demolition and clearing away of the insanitary properties and the provision of new dwellings to re-house the dispossessed tenants.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIs there any reason to doubt the truth of the terrible statement made by the Commissioner?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir, there is no reason to doubt that the conditions are accurately described.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONDoes the right hon. Gentleman intend to approach the Corporation of the City of Glasgow, so that something shall be done?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have explained that the Corporation of Glasgow are already dealing with this particular area, and I am taking every step to try to expedite housing in Scotland.