§ 24. Dr. FORGANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether all outstanding claims for payment for certain contracts in conection with houses built in the burgh of Johnstone, in the county of Renfrew, under the 1919 Housing Act have yet been met; and, if not, whether he will state the reasons therefor?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Major Sir Archibald Sinclair)I am informed that all claims for payment by contractors in connection with the scheme referred to have been met except in the cases of the brick, joiner and plumber work contracts. As regards the brick and joiner work contracts, the failure to adjust the final accounts is due to the long illness and recent death of the contractor, but it is hoped to reach a settlement at; an early date. In the case of the plumber work contract, the final accounts have been 1463 adjusted except for certain items to which the Department of Health for Scotland, in their examination of the accounts for purposes of State subsidy, have taken exception. An early meeting is being arranged between the local authority and the officials of the Department with a view to a settlement.