§ 44. Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland 1322 whether he is yet in a position to state what is being done to re-house the families rendered homeless by the lire at Longriggend at the beginning of November?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Skelton)I understand that the local authority is continuing its investigations as to the best means of dealing with the question, that a subcommittee of the housing committee of the county council visited the area on Monday last, and that their recommendation in the matter is being submitted to the housing committee to-day.
§ Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIs my hon. Friend aware that 17 of these unfortunate people are living in one hut, and that five people are living in an old cow barn; and will he not use his influence to urge the local authority to do something in this matter without delay?
§ Mr. SKELTONI am aware of the facts, and my hon. Friend, I think, is aware that in this matter I have no power of intervention, but we are keeping in close touch with the local authority. I think my hon. Friend and I are both aware of the difficulties.
§ Mr. ANSTRUTHER-GRAYBut is my hon. Friend aware that this state of affairs has gone on for seven weeks, and that nothing at all has been done yet?
§ Mr. SKELTONYes, I am aware of that, and I can only repeat what I have already told my hon. Friend, that this is a matter in which I have no power of intervention.
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has ceased to be a matter affecting individual families and has become of great concern to the area, and in view of the fact that the implications are more widespread, will he not use the powers that he has got now in this matter?