§ 5. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Board of Health have considered the complaint made regarding certain houses situated at 460 and 470, Lawmoor Street, Glasgow, C.5, being condemned as unfit for human habitation; and what action, if any, is being taken as a result of inquiry into the complaint?
§ Mr. WESTWOODThe Department of Health for Scotland have made inquiries regarding the houses referred to, three of which have been condemned by the Medical Officer of Health of Glasgow as unfit for human habitation. Several inspections have been made of the remainder of the houses by members of the staff of the medical officer of health, who is satisfied that the existing defects are not such as would permit of the 210 houses being condemned as unfit for human habitation.
§ Mr. BUCHANANCan the hon. Gentleman not send his own inspectors to see these houses; and is he aware that for over 50 years they have been known as rickety houses and out of harmony with modern ideas as to how people should live?
§ Mr. WESTWOODI will consider the suggestion made by the hon. Member, but I would remind him that the final say as to the habitability or otherwise of these houses lies with the medical officer under the existing Acts.
§ Mr. BUCHANANBut if the Scottish Board of Health use their influence with the Glasgow Town Council is it not likely to be effective?
§ Mr. WESTWOODI have already said that I will accept the suggestion of the hon. Member, and see if anything can be done.
§ Mr. THORNEIf the landlord refuses to put the houses into proper condition, is there any power in Scotland to compel the landlord to pull down the houses?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODCan the hon. Gentle man tell us if rents are being paid for these houses which are condemned as unfit for human habitation?
§ Mr. WESTWOODI would require notice of that question.