74. Mr. NICHOLasked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health if he is aware that the tenants of the houses erected by the Renfrewshire County Council at Jenny Lind. Thornlie-bank, are stilt without a supply of gas although they have been in occupation for more than nine months of houses designed for the exclusive use of gas for lighting, cooking, and washing; and what steps he is prepared to take to secure a proper supply of gas?
§ Captain ELLIOT (Parliamentary Under Secretary for Health, Scotland)The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, my hon. Friend is aware of the difficulties which have been encountered in this case and of the steps which have been taken to overcome them. I have reason to anticipate that the matter will he satisfactorily adjusted at an early date.
Mr. NICHOLAs I got precisely the same answer four months ago, can my hon. and gallant Friend give the House any guarantee that this very minor dispute between his Department and the local authorities will be settled within the next five years?
§ Captain ELLIOTFour months ago I did not give the answer, But I can tell the bon. Member that I am perfectly prepared to guarantee that it will not be five, years before this question is settled. [HON. MEMBERS: "Will it be four? "]