12. Mr. J. J. DAVIDSONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of condemned houses in Greenock still inhabited for which rent is being claimed?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe number of "condemned" houses in the burgh for which rent is being claimed is 71. There are, however, many unfit houses included in clearance areas which are the subject of compulsory purchase orders either not yet confirmed by the Department, or, if confirmed, not yet operative. The number of such houses is not known.
Mr. DAVIDSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this area there is a very strong feeling with regard to the demanding of rent for houses which have been condemned as unfit for habitation; and will he put the full letter of the Housing Act, 1925, into operation?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe hon. Member is no doubt aware that the Corporation of Greenock are bending all their energies to coping with this problem in their own area.
Mr. DAVIDSONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman to see that there is the strongest co-operation from his Department with the corporation in their efforts?
§ Sir G. COLLINSAny assistance that we can give will be very willingly given.