§ 18. Mr. MAXTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many reports as to the state of overcrowding have now been received, what percentage that number is of the total, and what is the percentage of overcrowded houses as revealed by the reports?
§ Sir G. COLLINSReports have been received from 216 local authorities—representing 94.7 per cent. of the total number of local authorities in Scotland. The percentage of overcrowding in surveyed houses as revealed by these reports is 23.5 per cent.
§ Mr. MAXTONDoes the Minister expect to have the reports completed by the appointed day?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI hope to publish a White Paper shortly giving full particulars of all the reports we have received, and that will show the House the steps that have already been taken and are being taken in this matter.
§ Mr. MAXTONIs the Minister taking any steps to hurry on those local authorities that have been obviously laggard in this matter?
§ Sir G. COLLINSYes, we are constantly in touch with the situation, and this White Paper will give details of the actual reports which have been received by us from various local authorities.