§ 81. Mr. McGOVERNasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is prepared to urge the Second Scottish National Housing Company to reduce the rents of grant-aided steel houses at Sandyhills, Tollcross, Glasgow?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Skelton)The answer is in the negative. The Second Scottish National Housing Company is bound to fix the rents of steel houses by reference to the rents charged for houses of similar accommodation in the district, and inquiries have satisfied me that this has in fact been done at Sandyhills.
§ Mr. McGOVERNIs the hon. Gentleman aware that these houses are very much inferior to adjoining houses of brick and rough-cast type, and that the tenants are enduring considerable hardships? Would he further consider the advisability of advising this company to reduce the rents?
§ Mr. SKELTONNo, I have no information which would lead me to suppose that these steel houses are inferior to other houses.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIf the Under-Secretary were to visit these houses in this area, where I live, he would see that they are inferior and that the rents ought to be reduced.