33 and 34. Miss LEEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) the number and percentage of the population of Lanarkshire living in one- or two-roomed houses;
(2) the number and percentage of the population of Lanarkshire who in 1920 were living in one- or two-roomed houses?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Johnston)The only available information on this sub-
| Distribution of Population in One- and Two-roomed Houses in Lanarkshire. | ||||
| Lanarkshire (Year 1921). | One-roomed Houses. | Two-roomed Houses. | ||
| Number of Persons. | Percentage of Population. | Number of Persons. | Percentage of Population. | |
| Entire county (including City of Glasgow and all Burghs). | 219,291 | 14.2 | 765,926 | 49.7 |
| Landward area (excluding City of Glasgow and all Burghs). | 46,615 | 15.0 | 145,978 | 49.3 |
§ 35. Mr. BROOKEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet received from the county council of Dumbarton a copy of the survey required by the Housing Act if he will state how many houses are inhabited but unfit for human habitation; and how many houses the county council propose to build within the next three years to meet the deficiency?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThe statement required by Sub-section 2 of Section 22 of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1930, has 1942 ject is contained in the Census Returns and refers to the year 1921. I am circulating a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT giving this information. Comparative figures for the year 1931 will be available as a result of the forthcoming Census.
§ Mr. BARRCan the hon. Member give, in addition to the whole of Lanarkshire, some of the principal towns in Lanarkshire? I understand that the figures are available in the census.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONI will consider whether that is possible.
§ Mr. TRAINMay I ask if the figures include the two-room so-called houses built under the Wheatley Act, which have a kitchenette and a bathroom?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONNo, Sir. The figures refer to the census of 1921.
§ Mr. McKINLAYCan the hon. Member give us the proportion of houses which are of the single type and the two-apartment house?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONSpeaking roughly, at a time of the last census two-thirds of the entire population of Lanarkshire were housed in houses of not more than two apartments.
§ Following is the statement:
§ been received from the county council of Dumbarton. The statement shows that the estimated number of houses required to replace houses that are unfit for human habitation is 320. As regards the last part of the question, I am informed that the county council have not yet definitely decided as to the total number of houses which they propose to build within the next three years to meet the requirements of their area. Meantime, they propose to proceed with the erection of 395 houses within that period, 1943 of which 276 are to replace houses that are unfit for human habitation, the remainder being to abate overcrowding.
§ 40. Sir PATRICK FORDasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the complaint lodged on 21st January, 1931, by the Scottish National Operative Plasterers' Federal Union, Edinburgh district, with the Secretary of the Department of Health for Scotland in Edinburgh, regarding the Edinburgh Corporation Niddrie Mains housing scheme; whether, seeing that this complaint avers in detail that the plaster work in general was not being done in a tradesmanlike manner nor in accordance with the specification issued by the town council and the general specification issued by the Department, and that this statement of complaint was furnished at the request of the Department, he will say when the complaint will receive attention; and whether any official action will in fact he taken?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThe complaint referred to was received on the 22nd January following a meeting on the 15th January between representatives of the union mentioned and of the Department of Health for Scotland. The Department communicated the terms of the complaint to the corporation and are now awaiting their observations thereon. On receipt of these observations the Department will consider what further action should be taken.
§ Sir P. FORDCan the hon. Member give us some indication when these people are likely to get a reply?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThe matter was before the Public Health Committee of the corporation in a discussion with their architect. I understand that they are awaiting a report from the architect, and they have promised to communicate then.