§ 22. Mr. D. GRAHAMasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state the number of houses that have been condemned as unfit for human habitation in the county of West Lothian; how many are required to provide for overcrowding; what progress is being made to meet these requirements; and, in view of the failure of the county council to deal with the situation, what further action he intends to take?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe number of houses estimated to be required to replace unfit houses in the five years 1934 to 1938 was 726, while the number estimated to be required to relieve overcrowding was 891. This latter number. however, will be subject to revision when the inspection of the district is made under the provisions of the Bill at present before Parliament. Tenders have been approved for 296 houses to replace unfit houses and 236 of these were under construction at 30th April, 1935. Tenders for a further 200 houses are expected to be submitted shortly, while details of proposals for the erection of the remainder of the houses estimated to be required to replace unfit houses are under con- 1691 sideration. With regard to the last part of the question, the position is being kept constantly under review.