HC Deb 11 June 1931 vol 253 cc1201-2
73. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the area comprised in the slum clearance scheme in the Mile End ward of the Camlachie Parliamentary Division of Glasgow; and why the houses at 46 and 48, Soho Street, have not been included in the scheme, since the houses there have been declared unfit for human habitation by the sanitary authority of Glasgow?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Westwood)

The local authority have dealt with several small areas and individual houses in the Mile End ward of the Camlachie Parliamentary Division. The total number of houses so dealt with is 611. I am informed that the houses at 46 and 48, Soho Street have not been declared unfit for human habitation.

Mr. STEPHEN

Will the hon. Gentleman make further inquiries, as I myself have seen a certificate from the sanitary authority stating that one of these houses was declared unfit?

Mr. WESTWOOD

In view of the statement made by the hon. Member, I shall have further inquiries made.

74. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of houses to be built by the local authority in Soho Street, Glasgow; what class of houses will be built under the scheme; the proposed rents; whether the terms of contract provide that a percentage of local unemployed labour will be engaged in the work; and whether the workers employed at present are all enjoying the benefit of the fair wages clause usually insisted on with regard to such contracts?

Mr. WESTWOOD

I am infomed that the number of houses to be built by the Local Authority in Soho Street is 18 and that all will be of three apartments in three-storey tenements. The proposed rent is 35s. per month inclusive of occupier's rates. As regards the remainder of the question, I am informed that the fair wages clause forms part of the conditions of contract, but that these conditions do not provide that a percentage of local unemployed labour will be engaged in the work.

Mr. STEPHEN

Will the hon. Gentleman consider making representations, in view of the resentment which is felt at men being brought into the division by omnibus from many miles away to work?

Mr. WESTWOOD

I am rather afraid that representations would not have a great deal of weight in this particular case as the local authorities are the authorities who have power to put a clause of this kind in any of these contracts.

Mr. STEPHEN

May I further ask the hon. Gentleman if he is aware that the buildings at 46 and 48, Soho Street are to be taken down and replaced by a stable in front of the place where this scheme is being carried out; and will he impress upon the Glasgow local authority that this stable should not be placed there?

Mr. WESTWOOD

May I suggest, Sir, that that matter does not arise out of the question?