HC Deb 10 March 1936 vol 309 cc1936-8
3. Mr. DAY

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any statistics that will show the number of houses or flats occupied or unoccupied in Scotland at the last convenient date; and will he give particulars?

Sir G. COLLINS

As the answer involves a table of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. DAY

When was the last survey made?

Sir G. COLLINS

In 1931.

Mr. DAY

Is it proposed to make another survey shortly?

Sir G. COLLINS

Not at the moment.

Following is the answer:

The latest statistics are contained in the census returns for 1931, from which it would appear that occupied houses in Scotland numbered 1,149,267 and unoccupied houses (including those temporarily unoccupied) 47,976. Of the 1,149,267 occupied houses, 1,146,852 were private houses, their distribution by number of rooms being as under:—

1 room 109,498
2 rooms 422,823
3 rooms 284,944
4 rooms 136,304
5 rooms 71,361
6 rooms and over 121,922
1,146,852

Houses include flats, but the latter are not separately distinguished in the census returns.

No information is available from the census as to the number of rooms in the unoccupied houses.

12. Mr. MAXTON

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he proposes to publish the facts as to overcrowding in Scotland, as supplied to him in the reports of the surveys by local authorities

Sir G. COLLINS

Yes, Sir. It is my intention to publish a summary of the information contained in the reports of the local authorities as soon as practicable.

Mr. MAXTON

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it will be at an early date?

Sir G. COLLINS

We are in constant touch with the local authorities concerned, and constant reminders are being sent out but, as the hon. Member knows, this is a matter of considerable difficulty to which local authorities are directing their attention with all expedition.

Mr. MAXTON

The point I am putting is this: Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to publish the figures he has now, or is, he going to wait until he has a com- plete return from all the towns and local authorities in Scotland?

Sir G. COLLINS

When I have sufficient information which will satisfy the reasonable desires of hon. Members, I will immediately publish it; I will not hold up the whole return until all the returns are in.

Mr. MATHERS

What proportion of the replies is still to come in?

Sir G. COLLINS

We have a very large number already in, but I cannot say without notice as to the exact proportion.