HC Deb 28 July 1936 vol 315 cc1305-6
39. Mr. GALLACHER

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that in the process of equalising rents the burgh council of Leslie is increasing the rental of some two-roomed houses from £7 16s. to £14 per annum, of three-roomed houses from £10 8s. to £17 per annum, and of four-roomed houses from £13 to £20 per annum: and, in view of the fact that he has complained to the council that certain houses built with State assistance have been let to persons whose income does not entitle them to a subsidised house, he will intervene to see that persons in this Category do not benefit from the equalisation of rent at the expense of poorer tenants in the hitherto lower-rented houses?

Sir G. COLLINS

I am aware that the town council in revising the rents of municipal houses as from 28th August have decided to charge uniform rents for such houses, and that this will involve increases of approximately the amounts referred to in the question in the case of certain houses. The local authority have, however, notified their tenants that they will be prepared to give rebates from rent where in the opinion of the authority the financial circumstances of any tenant justify the granting of a rebate. The fixing of rents and the control of the houses are, under the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1935, matters for the local authority.

Mr. GALLACHER

Is the Minister not aware that the Department in Edinburgh complained that the council had refused to give particulars concerning the occupants of a particular estate, that the Department were of opinion that these occupants had no right to be in the houses, and that the occupants, who are not workers, are those who are going to benefit by this equalisation?

Sir G. COLLINS

I am not aware that the Department in Edinburgh had given specific instructions about particular people in particular areas, but if the hon. Member has any information I shall be happy to consider it.

Captain GUNSTON

Are we to understand that the Communist party are in favour of a means test?

Mr. GALLACHER

Arising out of the answer—

Mr. SPEAKER

We have a lot more questions on the Order Paper.