HC Deb 25 October 1932 vol 269 cc803-5
26. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the discontent in Greenock, Port Glasgow, and Glasgow, and the West of Scotland, at the high rents being charged for working-class houses; and whether he will introduce early legislation to provide for reduction in such rents?

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

A number of representations in favour of legislation to reduce the rents of working-class houses were received by my right hon. Friend's predecessor. I cannot give any undertaking in regard to the introduction of such legislation.

Mr. BUCHANAN

In view of the fact that this matter was referred to in the King's Speech and that conditions have become worse since that date; and, in view of the fact that the Government have thought fit to reduce rates of interest, does not the Under-Secretary think that these facts suggest a reconsideration of the decision of the former Government?

Mr. SKELTON

I am much obliged to the hon. Member for the points which he has put before the House, but I cannot add anything to what I have said.

Mr. MAXTON

Is there any hope that any member of the Government will tell the House something definite about the Government's policy on the question of rents?

Mr. McGOVERN

They have agreed to differ.

30. Mr. KIRKWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many court actions have been instituted against tenants in Scotland in respect of rent arrears, and how many of the tenants involved were unemployed; and will he consider the advisability of requesting local authorities to provide extra allowances to unemployed citizens to enable them to pay rent and so avoid court proceedings?

Mr. SKELTON

The information asked for in the first two parts of the question is not available and could not be obtained without the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of time and labour. As regards the last part of the question, I have no reason to suppose that public assistance authorities are not fully aware of their powers in regard to the grant of assistance of the nature referred to in such cases as require it.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is the Under-Secretary not aware of the fact that there are thousands of individuals in Scotland today who are being brought before the rent court, who have no means of paying rent? What action are the Govern- ment prepared to take to meet that circumstance in order to avoid tenants being thrown out?

Mr. SKELTON

My hon. Friend knows that it is the duty of the public assistance authorities to give such assistance as will secure the maintenance of the person relieved and that includes a sufficiency to keep a roof over the relieved person's head.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

If I am able to give the Under-Secretary absolute proof that such is not the case, as his statement would infer, and that there are individuals who are being put out because they have not the wherewithal to meet the rent, will he take some action to save them from being thrown into the street?

Mr. SKELTON

I must remind my hon. Friend that public assistance in Scotland is primarily a matter for the public assistance authorities in the various localities.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

That is not an answer to my question. If I prove to the hon. Gentleman that there are cases where people have been put out, will he take action?