HC Deb 17 November 1931 vol 259 cc656-7
33. Mr. KIRKWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of persons who have been brought before either the Small Debt or the Eviction Court in both Dumbarton and Glasgow during the past four weeks for rent arrears?

Sir A. SINCLAIR

The number of small debt rent cases in Dumbarton during the period stated was 42 and the number of summary removing cases 67. In Glasgow 2,204 cases—of which 1,045 were new cases—came before the Eviction Court during the same period. It has not been possible to ascertain from the Court records the number of persons brought before the Glasgow Small Debt Court for arrears of rent.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Does it not dawn upon the Secretary of State that with such gigantic figures it is essential that he should institute some inquiry to see if he can ease the situation for these poor folk?

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Perhaps the information I have given was misleading. Let me explain. The decrees for ejection granted out of 1,045 new cases was 128; and the number continued sine die to allow of payment by instalments or dismissed was 917. The number of cases continued from previous Courts was 1,159, and a decree for ejection was granted in 332, while the number continued sine die or dismissed was 827.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Does not the right hon. Gentleman notice what is at stake here? Over 100 evictions have been granted and there are nearly 1,000 cases which were adjourned, which makes a total of 1,000 people who do not know what their fate is to be.

Mr. SPEAKER

Those figures are given in the answer.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Can the Secretary of State give us the figures for this year and last year? Has there been any increase?

Sir A. SINCLAIR

If the hon. Member will put that question down, I shall be glad to give him an answer.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

I want to ask the Secretary of State if he will (make inquiries and see that some provision is made for these 400 or 500 people who are going to be evicted and consequently homeless?

Sir A. SINCLAIR

But there is provision now. They should apply to the public assistance, committees.