HC Deb 23 May 1933 vol 278 cc901-2
6. Mr. SCRYMGEOUR-WEDDERBURN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he intends to take in cases where local authorities have intimated that they propose to take no steps to put into force the recommenda- tions of the Consultative Council on Health Services regarding a* means test for tenants of subsidised houses?

Mr. SKELTON

In the circumstances referred to, local authorities are being asked to furnish the Department of Health with lists showing the occupations of the tenants of their subsidised houses, and where a scrutiny of these lists indicates that some of the tenants may be of the well-to-do class, my right hon. Friend proposes to press the local authorities for action in accordance with the recommendations of the Consultative Council in their recent report.

Mr. MAXTON

What sort of pressure on the local councils does the hon. Gentleman propose to employ, when he has no statutory powers?

Mr. SKELTON

The pressure of reasonable persuasion.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the hon. Gentleman certain that he is carrying out the Consultative Committee's recommendation? Is he aware that this committee was composed of Members of all parties, and that its recommendation was unanimous, and is he sure that he is carrying out that recommendation?

Mr. SKELTON

Yes, Sir, I think the recommendation which will be carried out under my answer will be that of the Consultative Committee, as well as of Lord Lovat's Committee.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Am I to understand then, that, as the committee were unanimously agreed on this report, they are in agreement with what the hon. Gentleman is doing?

Mr. SKELTON

I have made no statement of what I am doing; I have made a statement of what I propose to do if the necessity arises.