§ 43. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons in Glasgow who have been removed to slum clearance houses from slum areas and how many have been unable to remain in the houses owing to inability to pay rent; and if he can state how many actions have been taken at the courts for arrears of rent?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Johnston)A total of 3,963 families representing approximately 17,710 persons have been removed to houses provided under slum clearance schemes in Glasgow. The number of families who have left the houses owing to inability to pay rents is 281 of whom 165 left voluntarily and 116 were evicted. As regards the second part of the question, 615 actions have been taken in the courts for recovery of arrears of rent.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIn view of the fact that these figures represent a fair number of persons who are unable to pay the rent, will the Under-Secretary make representations to the Glasgow Corporation to get a revision of the rents, which are fairly high?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThat raises a big question of poverty and its relief, and it could not be adequately discussed by way of Question and Answer.
§ Mr. BUCHANANCannot something be done with the Corporation of Glasgow with regard to a revision of rents, as has been done elsewhere?
§ Mr. ALBERYCan the Under-Secretary say what period is covered by the figures?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThe period of slum clearance.
§ 44. Mr. WESTWOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses that have been built by the Mid- 2043 lothian County Council under the respective Housing Acts and the districts in which they have been built; and if he is aware that a demand exists in the Roslin area of the Lasswade district which the county council are failing to meet?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONAs the answer to the question is somewhat long and involves
| County of Midlothian. | Number of Houses built under the— | Total. | |||
| Housing. Town Planning, etc. (Scotland) Act. 1919. | Housing, etc., Act, 1923. | Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924. | |||
| Calder District | … | 56 | 166 | — | 222 |
| Lasswade District | … | 20 (Roslin Site) | — | — | 20 |
| Gala Water District | … | — | — | 52 | 52 |
| Total | … | 76 | 166 | 52 | 294 |
§ As regards the latter part of the question, I am informed that last July the housing requirements in the Roslin area were estimated at 48 houses, but since then 32 houses have been built and eight are on point of completion—all by private enterprise assisted by the local authority. The erection of eight additional houses by private enterprise is at present under consideration.