§ 3. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there are demonstrations and protest meetings being held in Scotland demanding an immediate reduction in rents of working-class houses; whether he is aware that the wages of the working class have been reduced by 50 per cent. whereas rents have been increased; and what steps he proposes to take to meet this demand?
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRI have received representations on the lines referred to by the hon. Member. The arguments for a reduction in the increases of rent permitted by the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Act, 1920, on the ground that wages have fallen, were fully considered by the Marley Committee set up by the late Government. The Committee made no recommendation for alteration of the present percentages. It has already been announced that the Government have decided that the legislation which will be necessary to amend the Rent Restriction Acts should follow generally the recommendations of the Marley Committee.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs not the right hon. Gentleman yet in a position to let the people know when they may hope for a reduction in rent, as this is a subject that is engaging their attention more than anything that is before this House?
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRI think I have answered that question; it is part of 1695 the question on the Paper. I have made it clear that the legislation which the Government intend to introduce will be on the lines of the Marley Committee's Report.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODWhen is this legislation coming before the House? As I said in my first supplementary question, this matter is engaging the attention of the public more than anything else.
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRI am afraid I cannot add anything to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council gave last week, on the 4th May, to the hon. Member for Gorbals (Mr. Buchanan).
§ 4. Mr. TRAINasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total sum per annum being contributed by the State as subsidies for houses being built in Scotland under the various Housing Acts since 1919?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Skelton)As the answer involves a number of figures, I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. TRAINAre the Government taking any steps to reduce the subsidy, in order that the State may be relieved in these hard times?
§ Mr. SKELTONI think that that must be the subject of another question.
§ Following is the answer:
§ The total sum contributed annually by the State as subsidies for houses built in Scotland under the various Housing Acts since 1919 varies from year to year. The following are the amounts paid in the year ended the 31st March, 1932:
| £ | |
| Housing, Town Planning, etc. (Scotland) Act, 1919 | 976,995 |
| Housing, etc., Act, 1923 | 250,835 |
| Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924 | 517,461 |
§ Under the Housing (Rural Workers) Acts, 1926 and 1931, the sum contributed by the State for the reconstruction and improvement of dwellings during the same year was £17,983.
1696§ 8. Lieut.-Colonel MOOREasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the policy recommended by his Department to local authorities in respect of the employment of contract labour or direct labour; and whether any concrete instances have been brought to his notice showing the relative cheapness and efficiency of the two forms of work?
§ Mr. SKELTONThe Department of Health for Scotland have not recommended any policy to local authorities in respect of the employment of contract labour as against direct labour on housing schemes. The matter is one for the local authorities themselves, but, where it is decided to proceed by direct labour, the Department require to be satisfied that the estimated cost is reasonable, and that records will be kept showing the rate of progress and whether the work as it proceeds is keeping within the estimate of cost. In the few cases in which housing schemes have been wholly carried out by direct labour, the cost and efficiency of the works compare not unfavourably with those of schemes executed by contract.