HC Deb 16 February 1937 vol 320 cc992-3
63. Mr. Watson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in what circumstances the Department of Health refused to sanction the acceptance of the lowest offer for the supply of gas and cookers to the new housing scheme at Crosshill and Rosewell, Fife; and whether this is a departure from the usual custom of the Department?

Mr. Elliot

Although the county council accepted the offer of the gas company whose tender for installation of gas and cookers was slightly higher than that of the other gas company which tendered, the Department decided that they would not be justified in interfering with the council's decision in view of the higher price which tenants would subsequently have had to pay for gas supplied by the latter company. With regard to the latter part of the question, it is the Department's practice to insist on the acceptance of the lowest offer for housing contracts except where a local authority adduce satisfactory reasons for passing it over.

67. Mr. Stephen

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the tenants of the property at 18, Soho Street. Glasgow, are to have suitable housing accommoda- tion provided for them in view of the housing conditions of the property concerned?

Mr. Elliot

At their meeting on l0th February the housing committee of the Glasgow Corporation made a demolition order in respect of the 13 houses at 18, Soho Street, and one at 20, Soho Street. The corporation inform me that they hope to commence the rehousing of the families at the end of the three weeks which must elaspes before the order becomes operative.

68. Mr. Stephen

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps, if any, are being taken by Glasgow Corporation to increase and accelerate their housing programme in view of the hardships under which so many thousands of people are living in the slum areas of the city?

Mr. Elliot

I am informed that the housing department of the corporation estimate that 4.446 houses will be built in 1937 as compared with 1,985 in 1936. I hope to have next week an opportunity of discussing the position informally with the corporation representatives in Glasgow.

Mr. Stephen

May I thank the right lion. Gentleman for his answers, and say that I am glad the people in Soho Street are now to get a decent house?