§ 58. Mr. MAXTON (for Mr. McGOVERN)asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is prepared to abolish the missive system in operation at steel houses at Sandyhills, Shettleston, and also the 20s. deposit by tenants for the key of the house?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Westwood)My right hon. Friend has no power to abolish the use of the missive in question as the conditions of let applying to these houses are a matter for the Second Scottish National Housing Company (Housing Trust), Limited. The deposit of £1 by each tenant is, I am informed, required as security to the housing company against damage done apart from ordinary wear and tear and it, or any balance due, is refunded at the end of the tenancy.
§ Mr. MAXTONIs this Second National Housing Trust Company, something different from the Ministry?
§ Mr. WESTWOODYes, it is entirely different from the Ministry and has power to apply certain conditions to letting, but, as I promised my hon. Friend the Member for Shettleston (Mr. McGovern) yesterday, I am having full inquiries made into the whole of the conditions under the housing trust.
§ Mr. MAXTONIs not this the pseudo company set up by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Bewdley (Mr. S. Baldwin) and entirely financed out of Governmental money?
§ Mr. WESTWOODAll I can say is that it is entirely independent of control so far as the Department of Health in Scotland is concerned.
§ Mr. MAXTONI am sorry to persist, but do I understand that this company, owned by the State, is controlled by someone other than the appropriate Government Department?
§ Mr. WESTWOODI do not admit that it is owned by the State.
§ Mr. MAXTONWe only pay for it.